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Pseudomemory and age regression: an exploratory study
S J Lynn1, M Milano, J R Weekes
1Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens 45701.
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|October 1, 1992
Summary
This study found that pseudomemories, or false memories, were rare when the suggested event was verifiable. Even when hypnotized or simulating, subjects rarely reported false memories of a phone ringing.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Pseudomemories, or false memories, are a significant area of research in psychology.
- Previous studies have explored factors influencing pseudomemory formation, including suggestion and hypnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate of pseudomemory formation in hypnotizable and simulating subjects when a suggestion is embedded within an age-regression context.
- To determine if the verifiability of a suggested event impacts pseudomemory rates.
Main Methods:
- Participants (hypnotizable and simulating subjects) were age-regressed to a prior hypnosis session.
- A suggestion was given to hear a phone ring, which did not actually occur.
- Pseudomemory rates were assessed using open-ended and forced-choice questions.
Main Results:
- Open-ended questions yielded 0% pseudomemory rates in both hypnotizable and simulating subjects.
- Forced-choice questions revealed pseudomemory rates of 22.22% in hypnotizable and 25% in simulating subjects.
- These rates were higher than in previous research where the suggestion was not embedded in age regression.
Conclusions:
- The verifiability of a suggested event significantly reduces pseudomemory rates.
- Age regression and suggestion can influence pseudomemory formation, particularly with forced-choice questioning.
- Research highlights the complex interplay between memory, suggestion, and context in memory distortion.