minnisáhrif

Minnisáhrif is an Icelandic term that translates to "memory effects" or "memory influences." It refers to the psychological phenomenon where a person's recall of an event is altered by information or experiences that occur *after* the event itself. This is a core concept within the study of memory, demonstrating that memory is not a static recording but a reconstructive process.

The phenomenon is closely related to concepts like misinformation effects and suggestibility. For instance, if someone is asked leading questions or exposed to false information after witnessing an event, their memory of that event can become contaminated. This contamination can lead to the incorporation of details that were never actually part of the original experience. Researchers have extensively studied minnisáhrif in legal settings, particularly concerning eyewitness testimony, to understand how external factors can inadvertently shape or distort a witness's recollection. Understanding minnisáhrif is crucial for accurately assessing the reliability of memories, especially when dealing with past events.