Recent studies in cognitive psychology have challenged the traditional view that human memory operates as a faithful recorder of past events. Instead, researchers now propose that memory is a reconstructive process, where each retrieval can subtly alter the original trace. This phenomenon, known as the misinformation effect, occurs when post-event information interferes with a person's recollection. For instance, eyewitnesses who discuss a crime with others may incorporate inaccurate details into their own memories. Such findings have profound implications for legal settings, where reliance on eyewitness testimony remains common despite its demonstrated fallibility. Consequently, some jurisdictions have revised their procedures for suspect identification and witness interviews, aiming to minimize contamination of memory.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 기억의 재구성적 특성이 갖는 핵심적 함의는 무엇인가?
A. 기억은 항상 사건의 정확한 기록이다.
B. 목격자 증언은 사건 후 간섭으로 인해 신뢰할 수 없을 수 있다.
C. 다른 사람들과 사건에 대해 이야기하는 것은 항상 기억의 정확성을 향상시킨다.
D. 법적 절차는 기억 연구의 영향을 받지 않았다.
✅ 正确答案
Eyewitness testimony may be unreliable due to post-event interference.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first