In this activity, participants listen to a list of related words and try to recall them from memory. Many participants will mistakenly recall a word that was not actually on the list, demonstrating how false memories can form through associations.

- Provide copies of two word lists.

1. If running a structured program, the instructor acts as the reader while participants are listeners.
2. If running a drop-in session, have participants work in pairs. One will be the reader, the other the listener.
3. The reader reads aloud all words from “List 1” without showing it to the listener.
4. After reading, ask the listener to write down all words they can remember.
5. Ask if anyone included the word “park,” which was not on the list but may be recalled due to word associations.
6. Repeat the activity with “List 2,” switching roles if in pairs.
7. Afterward, ask if anyone included the word “ocean,” which was not on the list but may be implanted as a false memory.

Memory Psychology: False Memories Activity - Amanda Woolston:

Brain Games- False Memory and Misinformation Effect - Professor Ross:

📄 False Memories Activity - Demco, Inc: https://resources.demco.com/FalseMemoriesActivity.pdf

📄 Understanding and Exploring False Memories - annmichaelsen.com/: https://annmichaelsen.com/2025/03/28/lesson-plan-understanding-and-exploring-false-memories/

• Use different themed word lists (e.g., food, sports, holidays).
• Increase or decrease the number of words to adjust difficulty.
• Allow groups to compare results and discuss differences in recalled words.

• No safety risks; ensure participants are comfortable sharing answers.

• Why do some participants recall words that were never read? (Because the brain fills in gaps using associations and patterns.)
• How does this activity demonstrate the limits of memory accuracy? (It shows that memory is reconstructive and prone to errors.)
• How might false memories affect eyewitness testimony? (People may confidently recall details that never occurred, leading to unreliable accounts.)