Dealing with the Problem of “False Memory” in Clinic and Court

Abstract

Memories of child abuse have frequently been uncovered during psychotherapy by clinicians using hypnosis and other procedures. Experimentalists, working in laboratories, have discovered that such memories can be false. Individuals accused of abuse have cited these studies in their defense. Courts are placed in conflict as to whether testimony based on such memories should be admitted into evidence. The controversy is reviewed here, and suggestions are made as to how research might contribute to the retrieval of memories with greater veridicality.