The Adaptive Nature of Memory and Its Illusions

Howe, Mark L. (2011) The Adaptive Nature of Memory and Its Illusions. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20 (5). pp. 312-315. ISSN 0963-7214

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Abstract

In this article I discuss how false memories do not always have to be associated with negative outcomes. Indeed, under some circumstances, memory illusions, like other illusions more generally, can have positive consequences. I discuss these consequences in the context of the adaptive function of memory, including how false memories can have fitness-relevant benefits for subsequent behavior and problem solving. My hope is that this article changes how illusions are conceptualized, especially those arising from memory. Rather than being a "demon" that vexes our theories of memory, illusions can be thought of as sometimes having positive consequences much in the same way as many of the other outputs of a very powerful, adaptive memory system.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Current Directions in Psychological Science
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200
Subjects:
?? ADAPTIVE MEMORYMEMORY ILLUSIONSFALSE BELIEFSEVOLUTIONPSYCHOLOGYPSYCHOLOGY(ALL) ??
ID Code:
52756
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
23 Feb 2012 09:54
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
17 Sep 2023 01:01