Study Summary
According to the study, memories are closely linked with the imagining system. When a person tries to imagine something, memories are used as a source of data. When a person tries to memorize an event, imagination may have a significant influence on the final perception of the past. From a particular perspective, human memories are always incorrect and subjective. People tend to “transform” their memories according to their personal beliefs and life values. Therefore, the primary goal of memory is to create personal meanings. The study has shown that false memories do not exclusively have harmful consequences.
In some cases, they may lead to a wrongful interpretation of reality and worsen psychological illnesses. However, false memories may also modify traumatic experiences and decrease related problems. For example, people with posttraumatic stress disorder may avoid negative emotions and images using false memories. Even though they provide incorrect information about the past, they may be beneficial.
Research Methods
“Remembering, Imagining, False Memories, and Personal Meanings” is a comprehensive study, which utilizes a wide variety of diverse approaches and methods. Nevertheless, its methodology excludes several effective techniques. For example, the provided research is primarily descriptive as there is no experimental research involves. It is mainly based on the previous study and summarizes existing knowledge in order to apply it to a specific subject. Case studying is also utilized in the survey to provide additional information regarding false memories interaction with mental disorders. Correlation and causation issues play a significant role in the study as remembering and imagining systems are closely linked. Even though the article primarily focuses on correlation, a causal hypothesis could also be established by further research.