A groundbreaking work by one of the world's foremost psychologists that delves into the complex behavior of memory. and suggests instead that these...
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Feb 08, 2012
Steven
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I was much looking forward to reading this, since the concept and workings of memory particularly intrigue me. I had already taken a few courses on the subject, so I had a very basic understanding of the workings of memory and some of the pitfalls/biases. Nothing too much in depth, however, which is why I thought this book might be good both to tie together what I had learned and to find out something new!
Here I was slightly disappointed, however. Although much (much!) research is cove More...
Here I was slightly disappointed, however. Although much (much!) research is cove More...
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Apr 25, 2010
John
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We refer to this as one of the "tippingpointblinkfreakanomicsbrainisakludge" books -- one of those books that makes you feel like your brain is filling up -- that gives you insight into how the mind works and -- even better! -- an endless supply of "get outta here" facts that you can share with people. Summarizes classic and state of the art experiments demonstrating the complete and total unreliability of memory! One thing I _think_ learned from this is not to argue about
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Sep 20, 2010
Alaina
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I picked this book up because Mary Karr recommended it at a reading a few months ago. It's a very well written and mostly interesting report on the "seven sins" of memory: transience, absent-mindedness, blocking, misattribution, suggestibility, bias, and persistence. I would recommend this book to anyone with interests in psychology (obviously) as well as anthropology or science . . . but the author writes in a way that would intrigue those with even a passing interest in psychology
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Sep 02, 2009
Krystal
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I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology...right now I am taking a class on cognitive psychology and we are talking about the seven sins of memory. Not only does my textbook make numerous references to this book, but I decided to read it...ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING!!! This book helped me to make my final decision on becoming a clinical psychologist...the mind is sooo fascinating!!!
Mar 07, 2010
Graham
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The Seven Sins of Memory is an excellent book exposing several shortcomings of human memory. Some are obvious, such as absent mindedness and transience, while others are less obvious yet have stronger ramifications.
Two that are particularly insidious are misattribution and suggestibility. These two, by themselves or in concert, can lead to several kinds of false memories. Examples of false memories include hearing an anecdote but remembering that you were there, mixing different attribu More...
Two that are particularly insidious are misattribution and suggestibility. These two, by themselves or in concert, can lead to several kinds of false memories. Examples of false memories include hearing an anecdote but remembering that you were there, mixing different attribu More...
Sep 03, 2009
Corey
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A solid book about how memory functions and all the reasons humans forget so many things. If you have memory issues and would like to get better at it, this is the book for you.
Jan 10, 2012
Yianni
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I can't remember anything about this book. If there was anything about, "how the mind forgets boring books", then the author is absolutely spot on.
Aug 05, 2011
Daniel Schacter, chair of psychology at Harvard, creates a thorough and fascinating categorizing system for memory error in this book. The final chapter also explains why these memory errors are actually important and necessary to our daily functioning. Great book.
Apr 05, 2011
εїз*♥Karla♥*εїз
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Read it for a Cognitive Psychology Class...it is very interesting how the mind works and how it reflects it's failures (this are the seven sins of memory).
Oct 25, 2011
Sarah
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Not only do we forget, but we construct memories out of nowhere. Nothing you believe to be true can be trusted.
Aug 11, 2011
Great balance of theory and storytelling. Gives the most up-to-date snapshot of what we know about memory.
Nov 14, 2008
Schizophelia
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This is one of the top ten books that changed my life.
Memory and learning help us adapt quickly in order to keep us alive and procreating. Every organism has some kind of memory, be it a couple of neurons strong or a few million. For humans, memory also informs our identities. Who are we without the memories of good or bad childhoods, old friends, good times, etc.? This book will rock your socks off if you're ready to accept that your memories, even the most treasured, may neve More...
Memory and learning help us adapt quickly in order to keep us alive and procreating. Every organism has some kind of memory, be it a couple of neurons strong or a few million. For humans, memory also informs our identities. Who are we without the memories of good or bad childhoods, old friends, good times, etc.? This book will rock your socks off if you're ready to accept that your memories, even the most treasured, may neve More...
Nov 12, 2008
For my AP Psych class in high school I had to choose a book on psychology to read from a list of about a hundred. I'm incredibly glad I chose this one since not only did it help me immensely when my textbook went over memory (it referenced Shacter multiple times) but it's simply one of the best books in the field.
If you're planning to take a Psych class in school or if you simply want to have a basic understanding of how memory works I'd highly recommend this book.
If you're planning to take a Psych class in school or if you simply want to have a basic understanding of how memory works I'd highly recommend this book.
Sep 06, 2007
Linda
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How the mind processes the 7 "sins" --blocking, absent-mindedness, bias, transience, suggestibility, persistence, misattribution--and how some of these sins can work to be virtues which help us negotiate our daily lives. The author presents scientific explanations illustrated with examples from our common experiences, news events(O.J. Simpson, priests sexual abuse scandals, etc.) and case studies making this a very interesting, approachable read.
Sep 18, 2011
Emily
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An interesting and readable book, but I don't know that it was all that applicable to me or my life. I read it because it sounded intriguing, but I have no idea what I got out of it. It would probably be more helpful to me if I were involved with psychology or neuroscience. I kind of get that a part of my brain could lead me to forget where I left my keys, but I know I'll still end up searching for them when I need to leave my apartment!
Jan 16, 2009
D'artagnan
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Well, it turns out to be mostly common sense, but not quite all of it. I am enough of a nerd to love knowing about the how and why of my sometimes spotty, sometimes very vivid memory. My grandmother's battle with Alzheimer's made it more interesting also. The author tended to ramble on a bit, so the book doesn't exactly read itself, but I would still recommend it if you have a tolerance for psychology.
May 04, 2009
Yuki
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I quickly became bored of this book and wasn't impressed much.
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May 22, 2010
Veek
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Relevant to psych students while accessible to the casual reader, this book provides a framework for understanding how memory works (or fails). I'm finding it very useful for reinforcing (from a slightly different perspective) earlier learning about memory and perception; and for taking some ideas to practical application.
Feb 11, 2012
Sabah
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Can be a little slow reading because there is a LOT of information in there, but very interesting and definitely helps you understand how memory works and gives you tips on what you can do to strengthen it.
Apr 08, 2011
Chip
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Any time an author can make a more bland part of psychology like memory into a well-written, interesting book you have to give the author his credit.
Feb 11, 2012
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