Misinformation Effect

Shrink Definition

The misinformation effect is how exposure to misleading information after an event can distort what we remember about it. A leading question or a false detail can be woven into the memory as if it were real. It shows memory is reconstructive, rebuilt each time rather than replayed. Even confident, vivid memories can be altered this way.

Plain language

Misleading information after an event can reshape what we remember.

Shrink Insight

Memory is rebuilt, not replayed, so it can be edited after the fact.

Why it matters

It matters for eyewitness accounts, therapy, and everyday disputes about what happened. It teaches humility about even vivid, confident memories.

Common misunderstanding

People think memory works like a recording that plays back faithfully. Memory is reconstructive and can absorb false details introduced later.

Shrink Perspective

A confident memory isn't proof of an accurate one.

Shrink Reflection

Which of my certain memories might have been reshaped later?

Shrink Step

Hold confident memories of contested events a little more loosely.

Shrink Minute

Recall a memory you later learned was partly wrong.

Shrink Takeaway

Even vivid memories can be edited after the fact.

Medical boundary

Evidence summary

A landmark, extensively replicated finding in memory research on eyewitness reliability.