In cognitive psychology, what is a "false memory" characterized by?

A "false memory" is characterized by the recognition of non-existent events as real. This occurs when an individual remembers something that did not happen or recalls an event differently from the way it actually occurred. False memories can be surprisingly detailed and vivid, leading a person to confidently assert that the memory is accurate, even though it is not based on actual experiences.

The phenomenon of false memories is significant in cognitive psychology because it illustrates how memory is not a perfect recording of past experiences but rather a reconstructive process influenced by various factors, such as suggestions, misinformation, and the passage of time. These factors can all contribute to the creation of memories that feel real but are, in fact, fabrications.

In stark contrast, the other options represent accurate recollections or clarity in memory that do not align with the definition of false memory. For instance, impeccable accuracy in detail recall and vivid recollection of actual events reflect genuine memories rather than flawed memory processes. Similarly, clarity in overlapping memories suggests a precise differentiation between similar memories rather than conflating them, which is what occurs in false memory scenarios.