Human memory is an essential toolin his day-to-day endeavors. A right memory status is significantly important in decision-making as well as other brain related undertakings in humans. Poor memory may plunge people into a series of problems that may have adverse effects on the individual or the entire society. The paper will evaluate an article by Elizabeth Loftus on the social crimes that maybe caused by false memories. An abstract and a vivid commentary on the article will be discussed in this paper.

Abstract

Loftus claims that memory is the main determiner of how people arein terms of behavior and other aspects of life. The article ascertains that the change in memory and the existence of faulty memory is a major cause of the various tragedies in humans (Loftus, 2011). Loftus claims that misinformation that is caused by leading questions may be one of the scientific explanations of memory distortion. Additionally, she claims that fading memories may prompt misinformation hence distortion of the memory.The article claims that the rampant cases of faulty memory in eyewitness scenarios has prompted the United States Department of Justice to devise guidelines on the collection of eyewitness evidence (Loftus, 2011). With such, the use of open-ended questions has been identified as the best approach. The article further ascertains that false memories have adverse effects on the individual behavior, thoughts, and the general society. Loftus also claims that sensory details are essentially important in distinguishing between false and genuine memories in humans. The article is crucial in overcoming the various attributes of a faulty memory.

Commentary

Loftus’s article is largely inclined to the notion that human memory is significant to various aspects of an individual and society. I feel that the use of advanced equipment to capture evidence in crime spots will be significantly viable. For instance, the use of closed-circuit television footings may be reliable for evidence as compared to reliance on human memory.I concur with Loftus that the scientific methods of verifying information are essential in determining the genuine evidence in controversial cases.As such, I am in full support of the use of sensory detailsto quantify a true memory or an imagination thereby prompting some genuine evidence (Blakesley&Hoogeveen, 2008). Further on, I tend to differ with the impacts of false memories as highlighted in the article. Research has showed that depression may lead to memory loss and that the provision of therapy helps to overcome the situation. However, research by Mark and Mark(1999) coincides with Loftus claims that therapy may enhance memory problems. However much the impacts may be negative, the extent of negativity is extreme, according to the text. I feel that an individual may recover back his memory and hence his ability to overcome the prior impacts of the false memory through reconciliatory measures. I concur with Loftus that the current problem in differentiating the true and false memories requires the use of advanced technologies and innovations such as neuroimaging(Loftus, 2011). Neuroimaging entails the application of various techniques to image the structural and functionality aspects of the nervous system.

Conclusion

The article has highlighted the various adverse impacts of faulty memory. For instanceinjustices in the courts of law are largely attributed to false memories of the witnesses. The use of alternative sources of evidence may be fruitful in overcoming the negative impacts of faulty memory. The use of sensory details to evaluate the credibility of evidence is important too. The use of neuroimaging will also be substantive in evaluating memory related cases.

References

Top of Form

Blakesley, D., &Hoogeveen, J. L. (2008).The brief Thomson Handbook. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

Mark, V. H., & Mark, J. P. (1999).Reversing memory loss: Proven methods for regaining, strengthening, and preserving your memory. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Bottom of Form

Loftus, E. F. (2011). Crimes of memory: False memories and societal justice. In M. A. Gernsbacher, R. W. Pew, L. M. Hough, and J. R. Pomerantz (Eds.) Psychology and the real world (pp. 83-88). NY: Worth.