AAMC FL Practice Exam

The concept defined as an inaccurate memory that feels as real as a true memory is referred to as a false memory. False memories occur when an individual recalls events that either did not happen or differ significantly from actual events. These memories can seem vivid and genuine, leading the individual to believe them to be true.

False memories can be the result of various factors, including suggestion, misinformation, and the malleability of memory itself. Psychological research has demonstrated that memory is not a perfect recording of events but rather a reconstructive process, during which details may be altered or fabricated without the individual's awareness. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in understanding memory reliability and the potential for memories to be influenced by external sources or internal biases.

Other terms provided may relate to different psychological phenomena but do not specifically capture the essence of what constitutes a false memory. Delusional memory implies a false belief strongly held despite the evidence, while confabulated memory relates to gaps in memory being filled with fabricated details, often in a real-life context involving a neurological condition. Impression memory and false memory can both convey inaccuracies, but only false memory emphasizes the vividness and authenticity that can accompany the incorrect recollection.