8.1 Introduction

Robert Graham; Scott Griffin

8.1 Introduction

Learning Objectives

Describe the kinds of mistakes that eyewitnesses commonly make and some of the ways that this can impede justice.
Explain some of the errors that are common in human memory.
Describe some of the important research that has demonstrated human memory errors and their consequences.

Introduction

Chances are that you have experienced memory lapses and been frustrated by them. You may have had trouble remembering the definition of a key term on an exam or found yourself unable to recall the name of an actor from one of your favorite TV shows. Maybe you forgot to call your aunt on her birthday or you routinely forget where you put your cell phone. Oftentimes, the bit of information we are searching for comes back to us, but sometimes it does not. Clearly, forgetting seems to be a natural part of life. Why do we forget? And is forgetting always a bad thing?

A photograph of a young woman sitting in what appears to be a residential setting, with her face covered by her hands, conveying a sense of distress or sadness. She is wearing a gray sweater and a red scarf, and the background includes some framed artwork on the wall. — Forgetting can often be obnoxious or even embarrassing. But as we explore this module, you’ll learn that forgetting is important and necessary for everyday functionality.

8.1 Introduction

Introduction

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