AAMC FL Practice Exam

What distinguishes a false memory from an accurate one?

1. Factual correctness

2. Feeling of authenticity

3. Emotional attachment

4. Duration of recall

The correct answer is: Feeling of authenticity

A false memory is primarily characterized by a feeling of authenticity. This means that an individual can vividly recall an event that seems genuine and real, even if it did not actually occur. The brain's ability to create detailed images or narratives about past events can lead individuals to confidently assert that these memories are accurate, despite the fact that they are not based on actual experiences. In contrast to emotionally charged memories that may contribute to how real an event feels, or the factual correctness of the events themselves, false memories can often feel just as vibrant and solid as true memories. The confidence with which a person recalls a false memory can be misleading, leading them to believe in the accuracy of the memory without any factual basis. This highlights the complex nature of human memory and the ways in which it can be influenced by perceptions, context, and suggestion.