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Why is it Hard to "Unlearn" an Incorrect Fact?

Posted July 28, 2009 8:33 AM

From Scientific American:

Identifying, correcting and averting our memory errors are part of a cognitive process called memory monitoring. Incorrect associations can be tough to change, but we can use techniques to retrain our brain. When strong habits impede our ability to acquire a desired new habit or association, we experience a common phenomenon known as proactive interference. Wrong associations appear in common spelling errors such as "wierd" for "weird" and "neice" for "niece."

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#1

Re: Why is it Hard to "Unlearn" an Incorrect Fact?

07/28/2009 11:28 AM

At my age, I'd be happy to "remember my wierd neice", so to speak. Even mis-remembered facts are better than the blank slate!

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#2

Re: Why is it Hard to "Unlearn" an Incorrect Fact?

07/29/2009 6:29 PM

Most have to be bitten to remember. Pain (of what ever kind) is the best teacher. Unless you are masochistic you will learn and change old, wrong or outdated concepts. Pain is when weakness or stupidity leaves the body. May I learn for ever and be warned when old ways become dangerous to me or others. No more pain, please, Ky.

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