confabulation

n. the falsification of memory in which gaps in recall are filled by fabrications that the individual accepts as fact. It is not typically considered to be a conscious attempt to deceive others. Confabulation occurs most frequently in Korsakoff’s syndrome and to a lesser extent in other conditions associated with neurologically based amnesia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). In forensic contexts, eyewitnesses may resort to confabulation if they feel pressured to recall more information than they can remember. —confabulate vb.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

battle of the experts

a scenario in which expert witnesses from opposing sides of a legal dispute disagree over an issue that has to be decided to resolve the dispute. Such contradictory testimony is often of little help to the judge or jury in reaching a decision in the case.