Event Title

False Memory in Motion: Observing False Memories Using Mouse Tracking Software

Location

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

Start Date

1-5-2014 1:00 PM

End Date

1-5-2014 2:00 PM

Project Type

Poster- Restricted to Campus Access

Description

False memory is defined as remembering an event that did not occur. When a list of words highly related to a general theme (i.e., bed, rest, tired) is presented, participants will often report seeing a critical item (CI; i.e., sleep) on a subsequent memory test, although this CI was not in the list. According to Activation/Monitoring theory, automatic spreading activation during encoding and retrieval increases the familiarity of the CI and source monitoring errors at retrieval result in misattribution of the CIs familiarity. These false memories are robust and resistant to warnings and are often made with high degrees of confidence by participants. In many cases, responses to CIs are indistinguishable from those to list items; however, response latencies can dissociate between true and false memories even when accuracy or confidence cannot. In the present study, we examine the underlying dynamics of false memory using computer software called Mouse Tracker. This software tracks computer mouse movements, which give information on the time course of mental processes through movement dynamics of the hand during cognitive tasks. Response dynamics are sensitive to both confidence and familiarity. It is predicted that correct rejections and false memories for CIs will be slower with increased trajectory curvature compared to rejections or remembrances for control items. Generally, false alarms will show a pull toward NEW and correct rejections will show a pull toward OLD. The results of this study will provide detailed data on the cognitive processes used in the formation of false memories as they occur through time.

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Psychology Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Social Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

119

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May 1st, 1:00 PM May 1st, 2:00 PM

False Memory in Motion: Observing False Memories Using Mouse Tracking Software

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

False memory is defined as remembering an event that did not occur. When a list of words highly related to a general theme (i.e., bed, rest, tired) is presented, participants will often report seeing a critical item (CI; i.e., sleep) on a subsequent memory test, although this CI was not in the list. According to Activation/Monitoring theory, automatic spreading activation during encoding and retrieval increases the familiarity of the CI and source monitoring errors at retrieval result in misattribution of the CIs familiarity. These false memories are robust and resistant to warnings and are often made with high degrees of confidence by participants. In many cases, responses to CIs are indistinguishable from those to list items; however, response latencies can dissociate between true and false memories even when accuracy or confidence cannot. In the present study, we examine the underlying dynamics of false memory using computer software called Mouse Tracker. This software tracks computer mouse movements, which give information on the time course of mental processes through movement dynamics of the hand during cognitive tasks. Response dynamics are sensitive to both confidence and familiarity. It is predicted that correct rejections and false memories for CIs will be slower with increased trajectory curvature compared to rejections or remembrances for control items. Generally, false alarms will show a pull toward NEW and correct rejections will show a pull toward OLD. The results of this study will provide detailed data on the cognitive processes used in the formation of false memories as they occur through time.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/281