Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:26
The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory
Published on: January 31, 2017
Positive consequences of false memories.
Mark L Howe1, Sarah R Garner, Megan Patel
1Department of Psychology, City University, London, U.K.
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
|July 12, 2013
Summary
False memories, often seen negatively, can surprisingly aid problem-solving. Survival-related false memories, particularly in children and adults, improved performance on complex tasks, suggesting memory
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Studies
- Problem-Solving Research
Background:
- False memories are typically associated with negative outcomes.
- Research has extensively documented the detrimental effects of memory distortions.
- A gap exists in understanding the potential benefits of false memories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the positive consequences of false memories.
- To examine the role of false memories in problem-solving tasks.
- To compare the effects of neutral versus survival-relevant false memories.
Main Methods:
- Participants (children and adults) studied and recalled word lists (neutral or survival-relevant).
- False memories were induced during the word list recall phase.
- Participants then completed compound remote associate tasks primed by these false memories.
Main Results:
- Survival-related words were better recalled and more prone to false memory illusions than neutral words.
- False memories associated with survival-related words served as more effective primes for problem-solving.
- These effects were consistent across both children and adults.
Conclusions:
- False memories can yield positive outcomes, particularly in problem-solving.
- Survival-relevant information enhances both memory accuracy and susceptibility to beneficial false memories.
- These findings support the adaptive nature of reconstructive memory processes.
Related Concept Videos
01:18False Memories
False memories represent a cognitive distortion in which individuals recall events that did not happen, or remember them in an altered form. This phenomenon highlights the brain's constructive nature in processing and recalling memories, emphasizing that memory is not a perfect representation of past events but rather a dynamic reconstruction influenced by various factors.
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information with...
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information with...
01:22Eyewitness Memory
Eyewitness memory refers to the recollection of events by someone who has directly witnessed them, often serving as critical evidence in legal settings. This type of memory is commonly used in criminal cases where a witness describes details like a suspect's appearance, clothing, or behavior during a crime. However, despite its perceived reliability, eyewitness memory is prone to significant errors.
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function like a...
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function like a...
01:20Traumatic Memory
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
01:12Hindsight Biases
Hindsight bias leads you to believe that the event you just experienced was predictable, even though it really wasn’t. In other words, you knew all along that things would turn out the way they did. Can you relate this to the phrase "Hindsight is 20/20" now?
01:16Repressed Memory
Repressed memories are a psychological phenomenon where memories of traumatic events are unconsciously blocked from a person's awareness. This process occurs as a defense mechanism, protecting the mind from the emotional impact of distressing or painful experiences. For example, a person who has experienced childhood trauma may grow up with no conscious recollection of the event. In such cases, the memories are thought to be buried deep within the subconscious, inaccessible to the conscious...
01:24Implicit Memories
Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
One key aspect of implicit...