False memory: the word you never saw

A sample script of about 75 words. Say it your own way. Fill in the highlighted parts from your own run of the test, such as the numbers on your results screen.

1. 0:00

   DoShow a list of related words, one at a time.

   SayTry to remember these words.

2. 0:15

   DoAsk about the word the list was built around, such as bird. It was never shown.

   SayNow, was the word [bird] on the list?

3. 0:30

   DoExplain why so many people say yes.

   SayIt wasn't. But many people are sure they saw it. Every word on the list is linked to it, so it comes to mind again and again while you read. Later, it's hard to tell a word you thought of from a word you saw. That's a false memory, and this task is a classic way to study it.

4. 0:55

   DoShow the test's page on conductcognition.com.

   SayTry it yourself at conductcognition.com.

Posting it yourself? Say that ConductScience paid you, in the video or the caption, and use the platform's paid partnership label if it has one.

All 12 scripts on one page, to print

Try the test before you film

Take it yourself first: DRM False Memory Task on conductcognition.com. On the test's page, choose Preview it free. It asks you to sign in, or to create a free account.

Film yourself taking the test, or use sample data. Never show real participants, children, patients, private records or unpublished results. Get permission before you film at your school or workplace, or name it. The handbook has the rest.