Final answer:
Many false memories result from misattribution, where an event is attributed to the wrong source, or from suggestibility, where information provided by others influences memory. The reconstruction of memory is a fragile process prone to distortions and modifications, reinforcing the idea that memory is not a reliable source of factual information.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the heart of many false memories is a phenomenon known as misattribution, which involves attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, or imagined. This can happen entirely on one's own or be influenced by suggestibility, such as from leading questions during police interviews or therapy sessions. Cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Loftus's research on memory, including the misinformation effect paradigm, highlights how exposure to inaccurate information can result in false memories of original events.
Memory construction and reconstruction involve formulation and retrieval of memories, respectively. During these processes, modification and alteration of memories can occur, leading to distortions. Eyewitness misidentification is an example of how false memories can influence legal outcomes, making the understanding of memory distortion crucial in the context of law and cognitive psychology.
The impact of bias on memory is also significant, as our emotions and worldview can distort our recollections. It's important to note that memory reconstruction is not perfect; our minds must piece together different components of a memory, providing multiple opportunities for errors to creep in.