Final answer:
The accuracy of memories is affected by several factors including bias, which can distort recollections based on personal feelings, as well as inaccurate and false memories that can form over time. Memory trace decay and interference also play a role, where the former refers to the natural fading of memories, and the latter includes proactive and retroactive interference affecting the ability to recall information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Memories
Several factors can determine whether our memories remain accurate over time. One significant factor is bias, where personal feelings and worldviews can distort recollections of past events. This could mean that two people remembering the same event may recall it differently based on their unique perspectives.
Inaccurate and false memories can also occur, even with so-called flashbulb memories of significant events. Memories can become less accurate as time passes, influenced by new information or the lack of frequent recall. A notable example being the inconsistencies in President George W. Bush's retelling of how he learned about the 9/11 attacks.
Memory trace decay and interference are two other important factors that impact short-term memory retention. As memory traces become less activated over time, information is forgotten. Additionally, proactive interference, where old information hinders new learning, and retroactive interference, where new information affects the recall of older memories, can both lead to forgetting. To combat these issues and enhance memory, strategies such as mnemonic devices, rehearsal, self-referencing, and adequate sleep can be effective.