What is the inability to remember the source of a memory while still retaining its content?

The inability to remember the source of a memory while retaining its content is known as source amnesia. This phenomenon occurs when an individual recalls information or a fact but forgets the context in which they learned it, such as whether it was from a personal experience, a story they heard, or something they read. Source amnesia highlights the distinct processes involved in memory storage and retrieval, where the content of the memory is intact, but the details about its origin become unclear or lost.

In contrast, memory decay refers to the gradual loss of memory over time, often due to disuse or lack of rehearsal. False memory syndrome involves the creation of incorrect memories, which individuals genuinely believe to be true but are actually fabricated or distorted. Reconstructive memory emphasizes how memories are not merely replayed but are instead reconstructed from existing knowledge and cues, which can also lead to inaccuracies. Understanding these concepts helps clarify how we process and recall memories, particularly in relation to the reliability of our recollections.