memories phenomenon

The Variance in Time at Which Memories Are Reinforced

The variance in the time at which memories are reinforced is an intriguing phenomenon that provides insight into how memory processing occurs. The presence of systems that prevent the consolidation of certain types of memories opens up a world of possibilities. This behavior, according to the scientists, could be due to the particular atmosphere during sleep. The reduction in synapse effectiveness during sleep improves the signal-to-noise ratio for memories formed during the day. Over the years, I’ve created a consistent sleep schedule in which I get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. I usually have a study session before bedtime due to the reduced level of distractions. I have never thought of comparing memory retention after a nap to retention during wakefulness. To put the phenomenon to the test, I decided to study a challenging piece of text before sleep during my regular study session. The control experiment, in this case, was studying a similarly challenging paper during the day without any nap after reading. A comparison of the results of memory processing would inform my analysis. After the two experiments, I realized that I could remember more of what I had studied before sleep as compared to what I had studied during the day. I achieved this by writing detailed notes on the readings in question two hours after the study session. In the first experiment, I spent the two hours performing some chores while in the control experiment I took a nap for the duration. The observations made, in this context, could be explained by the fact that one is not exposed to stimuli and interfering stimuli while asleep. As such, it improves the consolidation of memories.

Question 2

The analysis of infantile amnesia in the article sheds light on the often-forgotten phenomenon including potential mechanical mechanisms that could explain it and recent developments in the research of the subject. The observation that we have very few memories from the first years of life is one that sounds absurd but has been proven to be true by researchers over the years. By the authors exploring the effect of different manipulations in our immediate environment on an individual’s rate of forgetting, they introduce a new way of studying infantile amnesia. I challenged myself to recount some memories of my early childhood. It is actually harder than it sounds since it involves going back to a time when one had no realization of their being. The recollection of my early childhood is fuzzy and littered with scanty details about events. The earliest memory that I can remember is a sculpture that was outside our suburban house. The sculpture was a penguin, and my father loved wiping and polishing it. I can easily remember the sculpture because I had a penguin doll as a kid. I recollect helping him out while he was polishing the sculpture. To confirm the accuracy of my memory, I asked my mother and elder brother whether my recollection was in any way correct. I was actually relieved when my family members corroborated my account of events. It is incredible that even after all these years I can still remember an event that was not life-changing in any way. This activity confirms the phenomena of infantile amnesia. Throughout the childhood years, I can only explain details of only a handful of memories.

Question 3

The false memories concept is a troubling one especially in consideration of the relevance of testimonies by witnesses in the criminal justice system. The fact that one can implant false memories into another individual’s mind brings forth a major problem. It is possible for a law enforcement officer to elicit a confession by guiding a suspect in creating a false memory. The implications of such confessions are far-reaching and could significantly harm the society in the long run. From a personal standpoint, this troubling issue warrants an emphasis on alternative interrogation tactics and a deeper analysis of witness testimonies. I cannot identify a situation in my life when I created a false memory. However, there could be such situations but only that I believe in their accuracy that I cannot distinguish them from events that happened. I have identified false memories in my younger cousin though. As a teenager, she had an issue with not having traveled outside the country. I think she was teased once about the matter and decided to talk to her mother about vacationing abroad. Her mother effectively made up a false event went on to explain to her how they went to Spain for a month’s vacation when she was six years old. The made-up vacation even included a visit to a matador event. This vacation was narrated to her so many times that it eventually became implanted into her mind. Distinguishing a false memory from a false one is hard. However, the lack of remembered feelings and auditory details of the event sell out the accuracy of the vacation.