An Illustration of the False Memory Process Based on The Artificial Neural Networks Model

Abstract

False memory is a common phenomenon in our daily life. This article discussed the situation of forming false memory in the three stages (encoding, consolidation, and retrieval) of memory formation. By combining the principles of Artificial Neural Networks, this article illustrated the formation of false memory in a readable and scientific way. This article first introduced the definition of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and some basic concepts of ANNs. Then discussed the similarities between the layers of ANNs and the three stages of false memory formation, and used the illustrating mode of Artificial Neural Networks to explain how false memory appeared in the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval stage. Finally, we used the serial reproduction experiment to explore the character of memory distortion (false memory) and found out that memory distortion has three characteristics: Symmetry, sharpening, and assimilation.