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🎠social psychology review

Memory malleability

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Memory malleability refers to the ability of human memory to be shaped, altered, or distorted by various factors after an event has occurred. This phenomenon means that memories are not static but can change based on new information, social influences, or the way questions are framed. Such alterations can have serious implications in contexts like eyewitness testimony, where accurate recall is critical.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Memory malleability can lead to the creation of false memories, where people remember events differently than how they actually happened.
  2. Factors influencing memory malleability include leading questions, suggestions from others, and the emotional state of the individual at the time of recall.
  3. Research has shown that even subtle changes in the wording of a question can significantly impact how a person remembers an event.
  4. In legal settings, memory malleability poses risks as eyewitness testimonies can be influenced by external factors, leading to wrongful convictions.
  5. Studies indicate that memory can be more reliable for events that are emotionally charged; however, this doesn't exempt them from malleability.

Review Questions

  • How does memory malleability impact the reliability of eyewitness testimony in legal proceedings?
    • Memory malleability significantly impacts the reliability of eyewitness testimony because memories can be influenced by various factors such as leading questions or discussions with other witnesses. This means that a witness might recall details inaccurately based on how they were questioned or what they heard from others. Consequently, this unreliability can lead to wrongful convictions if juries place too much trust in these testimonies.
  • In what ways can false memories demonstrate the concept of memory malleability, particularly in high-stakes situations like criminal investigations?
    • False memories are a clear example of memory malleability, especially in high-stakes situations like criminal investigations. These inaccuracies can arise when individuals are exposed to misleading information or suggestive questioning after an event. In such scenarios, a person may genuinely believe in the authenticity of their false memories, leading to significant consequences for legal outcomes and personal accountability.
  • Evaluate the implications of memory malleability on our understanding of human cognition and its application in the justice system.
    • Memory malleability challenges our understanding of human cognition by revealing that memories are not fixed but rather dynamic and susceptible to alteration. This has profound implications for the justice system, as it underscores the need for caution when relying on eyewitness accounts and emphasizes the importance of proper interview techniques to minimize distortions. Understanding memory malleability also encourages further research into enhancing memory accuracy and ensuring fair legal proceedings.