memory bias

noun

UK /ˈmem.ər.i ˈbaɪ.əs/

US /ˈmem.ɚ.i ˈbaɪ.əs/

A memory bias is when your brain remembers things in a way that is not quite true.

Because of memory bias, she thought the good old days were better than they really were.

SYNONYMS

recall distortion memory error remembering mistake recollection bias

RELATED WORDS

memory bias forgetting thinking attention

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The tendency to remember happy events more easily than sad ones.

His memory bias made the family trip seem perfect, even though it rained all week.

3. When the way a question is asked changes what you remember.

The memory bias made her say yes to a detail that never happened.

4. When you remember the first or last thing in a list best.

Thanks to memory bias, he recalled the first and last items on the shopping list.