Memory, abuse, and science. Questioning claims about the false memory syndrome epidemic - PubMed

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Memory, abuse, and science. Questioning claims about the false memory syndrome epidemic

K S Pope. Am Psychol. 1996 Sep.

Erratum in

• Am Psychol 1997 Sep;52(9):1006

Abstract

Careful assessment of purported scientific discoveries and the resulting interpretations is a responsibility of every scientist. The area of memory, particularly memory for abuse, has recently seen new, highly publicized claims. These include the proposal of a new diagnostic category, the false memory syndrome; claims about the ease with which extensive autobiographical memories can be implanted; and estimates of the extent therapists use risky practices likely to cause false memory syndrome. This article suggests questions to evaluate these claims and the methods used to promote them. Implications for clinical standards and malpractice are discussed.

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