Popular Myths about Memory: Media Representations versus Scientific Evidence: Brian H. Bornstein: Lexington Books

Popular Myths about Memory

Media Representations versus Scientific Evidence

Popular Myths about Memory

Media Representations versus Scientific Evidence

Description

Misconceptions about memory phenomena often go hand-in-hand with popular misrepresentations of its function in media. In Popular Myths about Memory, Brian H. Bornstein examines how the representation of memory in novels, movies, and television shows often clashes with scientific research. Bornstein discusses the consequences of these myths on the popular understanding of memory and its functions. Depictions of amnesia, eyewitness accounts, and superior memory are just a few of the processes explored and debunked. This book is recommended for scholars interested in psychology, media and film studies, literary studies, and communication studies.

Introduction: Memory, Metamemory, Media, and Myth
Chapter 1: Memory Myths: A Review and New Data
Chapter 2: Memory Accuracy and Permanence
Chapter 3: An Unholy Tetrad: Repression, Recovered Memory, False Memory, and Hypnosis
Chapter 4: Memory and the Brain: Implants and Erasure
Chapter 5: Retrograde Amnesia
Chapter 6: Anterograde Amnesia
Chapter 7: Memory, Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia
Chapter 8: Memory and the Legal System: Eyewitnesses
Chapter 9: Memory and the Legal System: False Confessions
Chapter 10: Superior Memory
Conclusion

Product details

Published	May 23 2019
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	334
ISBN	9781498560801
Imprint	Lexington Books
Illustrations	5 tables; 2 charts;
Dimensions	9 x 6 inches
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Rarely is a book about memory published that is equally suited to the scholar and the layperson. Clearly and concisely, Popular Myths About Memory covers topics as diverse as the brain’s role in memory, amnesia, dementia, memory and the legal system, and superior memory. Most importantly Popular Myths About Memory explains how myths about these topics are wrongly portrayed by popular media and how these popular myths clash with scientific evidence. Bornstein’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in memory.

Jonathan Golding, Dr., University of Kentucky
An engaging examination of how entertainment media can perpetuate truths and myths about memory, Bornstein has hit the perfect balance between informing and entertaining his readers. Popular Myths about Memory: Media Representations versus Scientific Evidence explores memory phenomena ranging from purported memories for events that never happened to astounding feats of memory prowess. Reading this book will increase awareness of how our memory is accountable for the terrible and the wonderful, the mundane and amazing.

Scott D. Gronlund, University of Oklahoma
Bornstein debunks several popular myths about memory and how memory is portrayed in the popular media. This book is engaging, interesting, and thoroughly researched. Popular Myths about Memory is essential reading for anyone interested in memory, both true and false memories, and how it impacts everyday life.

Jeffrey Neuschatz, University of Alabama in Huntsville
A highly readable antidote to the many stubbornly popular misconceptions about human memory. Using an engaging mix of popular films and empirical data, Bornstein effectively illustrates both the pervasiveness of memory myths and the evidence that exposes their fictional status. Memory is not about documenting the past. It is about using past experience to function adaptively in the present. Bornstein's book will prove to be a valuable resource in getting that message across to my students.

Matt J. Rossano, Southeastern Louisiana University
An exceptionally well written work of seminal scholarship.

Midwest Book Review