The Sins of Memory - Ness Labs

• Misattribution. This sin is the correct recollection of information but connected to the wrong source. We may even think we are the source or may recall events that never happened.
• Suggestibility. Our memory is vulnerable to misinformation caused by leading questions or deception from other people. This can lead to false memories.
• Bias. Our current beliefs or feelings can retrospectively distort our memory.
• Persistence. We want to forget, but our brain wants to hold on to the memory—for example, trauma, a mistake or an embarrassing moment.

Strategies to mitigate some of the most harmful effects of memory biases:

• Get information soon after an event, when everyone still remembers it.
• Use a prioritised task list.
• Take notes from important events, such as meetings.
• Record important events and milestones daily.
• Use neutral questions when requesting information.
• Pay attention to the perspective of the person providing the information.
• Notice the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.