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.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

J-curve hypothesis

the predicted shape of the distribution of responses in conformity settings, which reflects the fact that most individuals conform to the prescribed norm or act in ways that only slightly deviate from the norm, and few individuals exhibit substantial deviation from the norm. A classic illustration is that of drivers at a stoplight: Most respond by stopping fully, some sharply or moderately reduce speed, and a few do not change speed at all. When graphed, the number of people displaying these different reactions approximates the shape of a letter J. [first proposed in 1934 by Floyd H. Allport]