The concept of 'memory distortion' has long intrigued cognitive psychologists, but recent neuroimaging studies have revealed that the phenomenon is far more complex than previously assumed. While early theories posited that memory errors resulted from decay or interference during storage, contemporary research suggests that the very act of retrieval can alter a memory trace, making it susceptible to modification. This process, known as reconsolidation, implies that each time we recall an event, the brain reconstructs it anew, incorporating new information or emotional states present at the time of recall. Consequently, memories are not static copies of past experiences but dynamic representations shaped by ongoing cognitive and affective processes. Such findings have profound implications for legal contexts, where eyewitness testimony is often treated as a reliable record of events, despite evidence that suggestive questioning can subtly reshape a witness's recollection.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main implication of the reconsolidation process for memory?
A. A. Memories are permanently fixed once formed and cannot be changed.
B. B. Recalling a memory can lead to its alteration based on current conditions.
C. C. Memory distortion only occurs during the initial encoding phase.
D. D. Neuroimaging has proven that memory errors are purely biological.
✅ 正确答案
B. Recalling a memory can lead to its alteration based on current conditions.
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