Reconstructive Memory Theory

Disclaimer: This theory is extremely schizo. Despite that, there is some chance it is true.

One of the most common occurrences in Papp lore is misrepresentation of the truth and of the past. The abundance of Papp lore and the extensive lying that he has done are some of the main reasons why Papp lore has been documented.

Originally, it was commonly believed that the reason for this behavior was simply out of the desire for attention, or due to his need to compulsively lie. However, the reconstructive memory theory is a more schizo, but also more logical answer for why he acts like this.

What is Reconstructive Memory

The American Psychological Association defines reconstructive memory as the following:

the process of remembering conceived as involving the recreation of an experience or event that has been only partially stored in memory. When a memory is retrieved, the process uses general knowledge and schemas for what typically happens in order to reconstruct the experience or event.

In simpler terms, this essentially refers to how memories change over time, and are not accurate depictions of reality. As memories are recalled, they are modified and reconstructed. This means that memories are vulnerable to being manipulated and changed with false information.

Intrusion Errors

Intrusion errors are essentially when information related to the original themes of a memory are associated to an event. For example, if someone told to memorize the words "candy, cake, sugar, and chocolate" but not the word sweet, but said sweet when asked to recall the words they memorized, this would be an intrusion error.

This can lead to people associating similar events together, altering their sense of memory and leading to an inaccurate perception of reality.

Memory Biases

Memory biases on the part of the person remembering can change what they remember. Specifically, the motivations, intentions, mood and biases can impact what people remember about an event. The emotional nature of the event can also influence how they remember.