Let us reveal the truths behind the most common myths about memory!

Amnesiacs forget their name and identity 
In movies, amnesiacs are portrayed as people who woke up after an accident only to realize they don’t know who they are. But, this portrayal is actually an inaccurate account of amnesia, experts say.

Daniel Simons, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois, says that amnesiacs can typically remember their childhood. They can also remember the events before they had brain damage and learn new skills that don’t require memory recall.

Then, what exactly does amnesia feel like, then?

According to experts, the most common form of amnesia involves losing one’s ability to turn new short-term memories into long-term ones. In summary, amnesiacs can remember their name and identity, but they’ll have difficulty forming and remembering new memories.

Hypnosis can be used to retrieve lost memories 
Another popular memory myth is the belief that hypnosis can help a person retrieve forgotten memories.

While hypnosis may help with memory recall, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the hypnotized people will accurately remember the event.  In addition, new studies reveal that hypnosis doesn’t really aid in memory recall; instead, it fosters a dangerous reliance on memory, whether it’s the accurate account or the warped version.

With these facts in mind, it is safe to say that hypnosis won’t help victims remember details of a crime scene. In fact, a memory of an eyewitness is not a reliable evidence in court cases. A person may be confident with what they saw, but they may remember the accurate version of the memory.

Forgetting is a process that occurs gradually 
Memory is often compared to an aging film reel. Over time, our memories fade and break apart. But, in actuality, we start forgetting our memories right after the event. It is important to note that humans do not have an ability of permanent recall. Any event or belief may alter the memory in your head. 

Memory works like a footage in a video camera; once recorded, it can be stored and retrieved for viewing later 
According to a US survey published in 2011, 63% strongly believed that memory works like a video recorder. However, memory is always in the process of restructuring. The event that transpired is different from the way that you remember it. And as you “replay” this memory, the scene will keep changing.

Traumatic memories can be repressed but retrieved later on
It is popularly believed that traumatic memories can be repressed and then recovered with the help of a psychiatrist. But, studies that were done with child abuse victims tell another story. The results show that child abuse victims do not typically forget their traumatic memories.

Moreover, traumatic memories that were “recovered” during therapy usually do not support the existing evidence. Memories that were never forgotten or recalled outside of therapy have a more legitimate basis.

In summary, the American Psychological Association has one thing to say about this myth: “Most people who were sexually abused as children remember all or part of what happened to them, although they may not fully understand or disclose it.”

Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/14/truth-about-memories-jarrett
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/memory-myths-debunked/story?id=14222786

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
Allison is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle.