Recovered MemoryIs it Reliable
Recovered Memory Is it Reliable? ... There is an ongoing debate about whether these recovered memories are actual events which have happened or events which are believed to have happened. Although there have been numerous studies on this contentious topic, the validity has not been proven to be 100% reliable. In order to understand this issue more thoroughly repressed and recovered memory, along with its associated components, must be defined. ... Repressed memory, recovered memory, repressed memory therapy, and false memory syndrome, are all within the focal areas of dispute. ... Recovered memory is defined by Roediger, Mcdermott & Goff (1995) as distant memories which are recalled with the help of therapy (p. ... D writes in the forward of her book that False Memory Syndrome is believed by its proponents to be the result of a disastrous therapeutic program of memory enhancement techniques such as Recovered Memory Therapy through which therapists suggest or implant memories of past abuse in their patients as the sole explanation for their symptoms and as a means of making them dependent on therapy for the therapist’s financial gain. ... Douglas Hill (1994) author of “Recovered Memories or Modern Witch Hunt? ... They believe with no hesitation or doubt concerning the legitimacy of recovered memories. ... 49) The controversy over the validity of repressed and recovered memories of childhood abuse has raised many critical issues. Although there have been research done by memory researchers and therapists who specialize in working with trauma and abuse victims, the reliability of these recovered memories still allow many questions to go unanswered. In my opinion, the repressed and recovered memories are not valid enough to be used as fact. ... Through repressed memory therapy, the memories that have been recovered become very real to the alleged victim. ... Although both the “True Believers” and the “Skeptics” have important ideas and data about repressed and recovered memories, it has yet to be proven to be reliable.