Abstract:

The developmental reversal of false memory refers to the phenomenon that under certain circumstance the false memory increases with age (e.g. DRM Paradigm).Fuzzy-trace theory believes that such phenomenon is caused by the growing ability of gist memories and the unavailability of the verbatim memories in memory tasks. However, the associative-activation theory suggests that such phenomenon should be attributed to the continually maturing automatic associative activation. Both theories are supported by a large number of empirical evidences. Yet no unanimous conclusion was achieved so far. Previous studies indicated that the development of false memory was related to a variety of cognitive functions; moreover, it is related to some high-level cognitive process based on memory and semantic. Further studies should rectify the developmental model of false memory, and extend its application.

Key words: false memory, fuzzy-trace theory, associative-activation theory, development reversal