“The Reality of Repressed Memories” Revisited and Principles of Science

Abstract

An article in the 1993 issue of the American Psychologist entitled “The reality of repressed memories” (Loftus, 1993) forms the foundation for how many contemporary professionals understand the recovered memory/false memory controversy. The message conveyed to the readership was that recovered memories are by-products of therapy. Paradoxically, the message enjoys wide-ranging influence on the basis of “facts” that lack the rigor of science. Status was established on the basis of speculative theory, artifacts of interpretation, and the power of selectively filtered information. The message illustrates the dilemma posed for readers without personal familiarity with the subject matter, when messages are advanced on the basis of imperfect disclosure of prevailing knowledge. This article revisits the “evidence” and acquaints readers with the many errors of omission and fact that plague the false memory message (Loftus, 1993), and that cloud the science concerning memory and learning.