1.  Shutterbug Parents and Overexposed Lives

Background: One recent study suggests there is a “photo-taking-impairment effect” on memory. Linda Henkel, a professor of psychology at Fairfield University, wrote a 2014 study in the journal Psychological Science on memory and how images gets cognitively stored. Photographs can change our perspective on memory.

How I used it:  I used Dr. Henkel’s recent study in my paper. The information was useful because it changes peoples’ perspectives on memory. Many people think that taking photographs helps “save” those special moments. Although photos provide proof of being somewhere, we actually don’t absorb as much information around us when we’re taking photos, therefore, that information is lost or less detailed.

2. How fake images change our memory and behavior   

Background: Photo-shopped images continue to surface and greatly impact society.  The technological photo editing software effects politic trickery, to fake Facebook photos seen by millions, to peoples’ edited profile pictures on social media. People are more likely to cognitive store the images of Photo-shopped information VS. factual information without images.

How I used it: In my paper, I included examples of doctored images such as a “fake protest” with Senator John Kerry and Jane Fond and a “reluctant rocket” with Iran’s show of military might in 2008. The article provided useful examples on false images that were believed by many.

3. How to Instill False Memories  

Background: In The Demon-Haunted World, Carl Sagan argued that implanting false memories in people is not only possible, but is actually pretty easy when attempted in the proper settings with a gullible subjects. The article describes the process of implanting false memories according to four steps; 1. select one of your mates 2. fabricate a memory (usually works best when using a fake “childhood memory”) 3. prepare and 4. set your plan in motion.

How I used it: This article was especially important because I used Carl Sagan’s ideas and related them to myself and my own experience with my father.

4. Creating False Memories

Background:  In a study by Saul M. Kassin and his colleagues at Williams College, the researchers investigated the reactions of individuals falsely accused of damaging a computer by pressing the wrong key. In the beginning the participants denied the accusation but with social pressure and authority figures blaming them, the participants admitted to damaging the computer (even though they really didn’t). The participants started convincing themselves that they actually did to the “crime”.

How I used it: I added Kassin’s experiment to my paper. I explained the use of social pressure, unfamiliar environments, and use of authority figures to persuade people in to believing behaviors they didn’t do.

5. When Photographs Create False Memories

Background: In an experiment by Wade, Garry, Read, and Lindsay (2002) adapted the Loftus and Pickrell (1995) “Lost in the mall” method, but replaced narratives with photographs. Psychologists used Photo-shopped images of the participants in hot air balloons to implant false childhood memories on participants of a balloon ride experience. AT the end of the two week experiment, at least 50% of subjects “remembered” the experience that never occurred.

How I used it: I included the experiment in my paper and used the example to show how it’s possible to implant false memories. Usually, the method isneasier with childhood memories that aren’t life-changing or unethical for the experiment.

6. Human Memory

Background: Dr. Susan Siegfried, a licensed clinical psychologist, gives background on memory and its ability to retain information. Dr. Siegfried gives her insight on the brain’s ability to encode, store, and retrieve information. Also, she elaborates on the different types of memories and how frequently humans are subjected to error and bias, which distorts the way memories are remembered.

How I used it: Although I didn’t include this source in my paper, it provided useful information on the various ways in which humans store information into their memories. This provides insight on which memories are stored by the brain in either long-term, short-term, sensory, or other areas of the brain.

7. The Problem with Eyewitness Testimony

Background: The United States’ judicial system heavily relies on eyewitness testimony to help determine whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty, and the weight of the sentence. However, eyewitness testimony incorporates memory, and memory isn’t always reliable and can often be distorted, especially over time.

How I used it: I didn’t use this source in my paper, but it provided an interesting perspective on a major issue with our judicial system in the United States. Memory often tricks us and distorts memories. Therefore, since human memory isn’t reliable and consistently accurate, why is the judicial system depending on memory to help determine the fate of someone’s life?

8. Repressed Memories

Background: The website, A Guide to Psychology and its Practice, offers insight on why humans tend to repress memories, especially traumatic experiences, in the article Repressed Memories. There are various reasons why an individual may try and hide a memory from their conscious awareness. The article offers valuable information and scenarios explaining human behavior.

How I used it: Although I didn’t include this source for my paper, the article explains how the brain can often trick the mind, and hide tragic experiences

9. The Man With No Memory

Background: Henry Molaison, who is commonly referred to as “HM,” provided useful information for psychologist and scientist to research about the human brain. Molaison suffered from epileptic seizures for many years and had a unique procedure performed on him, on August 1953, to try and cure his problem. He ended up losing his memory after a procedure done by William Beecher Scoville, a Hartford neurosurgeon. The effects of this surgery are astonishing and provided material for psychologists around the world to study.

How I used it: I didn’t include this article in my paper but I enjoyed reading it. The article provides insight on how various structures in the brain are essential for creating and storing memories. The famous experiment with Henry Molaison (HM) the well-known “man with no memory,” provided valuable information for psychologist to work with about the brain.

10. Forgetfulness- 7 types of normal memory problems

Background: The article makes the case that it’s normal for healthy human beings to make memory mistakes and lists 7 types of memory problems. These 7 memory problems: Transience, absentmindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestibility, bias, and persistence, can occur at any age. However, if these normal problems occur in extreme-form, there could be a possible memory-impairing illness.

How I used It: I did not use this source in my paper but found the article to be interesting and worthwhile. The source shows different memory problems and how it can actually be useful and a normal occurrence among humans.