What involves recalling information but inaccurately attributing it to the wrong source?

The process of misattribution occurs when an individual recalls information accurately but incorrectly assigns that memory to an incorrect source. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the context of memory as it highlights how human cognition can be fallible, leading to errors in source memory, wherein a person might remember a fact or event but not pinpoint where or how they obtained that information.

For instance, someone might remember a specific detail about a news event but mistakenly attribute it to a source they have not actually encountered, such as thinking they read it in a newspaper when it may have come from a conversation or a television report. This can lead to misbeliefs or the reinforcement of false memories.

Misattribution plays a critical role in various situations, including eyewitness testimonies in legal settings, where individuals might confidently recall events but misremember the context in which they learned or witnessed the information. It demonstrates how memory is reconstructive rather than purely reproductive, showing the complexities involved in retaining and recalling information.