postrecall

Postrecall refers to the phenomenon where a person's memory of an event is influenced by information they encounter after the event has occurred. This can occur through various means, such as conversations with others, media reports, or even leading questions. The original memory is not necessarily overwritten but can be distorted or new, false details can be incorporated into the memory trace.

This concept is particularly relevant in fields like eyewitness testimony and therapeutic recall of traumatic events. Research has demonstrated that memories are not static recordings but are reconstructive and susceptible to modification. The introduction of post-event information can lead to the creation of confabulated memories, where individuals genuinely believe they recall events that never actually happened or recall them inaccurately.

Understanding postrecall is crucial for accurately assessing the reliability of memories. It highlights the importance of careful interviewing techniques and the potential for external influences to shape our recollections. Researchers often employ specific methodologies to study and mitigate the effects of postrecall, aiming to distinguish between genuine memories and those that have been altered by subsequent information. The phenomenon underscores the dynamic and fallible nature of human memory.