The Science of Human Memory Course

Service Description

Learn The Science of Human Memory 1. What Memory Is (and Is Not). Memory is not a video recorder. It is a dynamic, reconstructive process: the brain stores information in distributed networks, and each retrieval event rebuilds the memory using current context, expectations, and prior knowledge. This makes memory powerful and adaptive—but also susceptible to distortion. 2. The Three Core Stages of Memory 3. Flashbulb Memories vs Everyday Memories - Flashbulb memories feel vivid, detailed, and confidently remembered. Key point: Vividness and confidence do not guarantee accuracy. Flashbulb memories degrade over time just like ordinary memories but maintain a strong sense of certainty. Rehearsal (retelling, discussing, watching media) plays a major role in their persistence. 4. Neuroscience Updates: What Modern Research Shows Engram Cells - Specific sets of neurons (engrams) encode and store particular experiences. Reactivation of these neurons reinstates the memory. Engrams are not static—retrieval can reorganize the network. Ultimate takeaway: memories are physical, but they are not fixed. Sleep & Memory Replay. Slow-wave sleep supports the transfer of short-term hippocampal traces to long-term cortical storage. Sleep spindles and slow oscillations act as “timing signals” guiding consolidation. Memory replay can strengthen learning—or in some cases suppress unwanted memories. 5. Memory Contamination & Misinformation: Post-event information can change what a person believes they saw. Leading questions, repeated interviews, and exposure to media coverage can introduce details that feel like genuine memories. Entirely false memories can be created under certain conditions (e.g., suggestive interviews, social pressure, imagination exercises). Confidence can be inflated by social reinforcement even when accuracy declines. Implications for law enforcement and the courts: Early, neutral, and non-leading interviews reduce contamination. Memory should be treated like trace evidence: fragile, easily altered, and dependent on proper handling. 6. Common Myths About Memory 7. Why This Matters: Understanding the science of memory has real-world impact in: Eyewitness testimony, Police interviews, Education and skill learning, Trauma and clinical treatment, Everyday decision-making. Memory is powerful—but not perfect. Knowing its strengths and limitations is essential for anyone working in law enforcement, forensic science, medicine, psychology, or public safety.