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Kannste Vergessen? – New episode online! “Can you remember?”

There is a new episode of the SFB 1280 extinction learning podcast, and in it we ask, for once: “Can you remember?”

We are looking at the phenomenon of false memory, i.e. the falsification of memories. False memory has been the subject of much media and social discussion in recent years. Of all psychological phenomena, this cognitive effect is one that concerns the judiciary, family networks, friendships and politics in equal measure. In particular, court cases in recent years with intensive media coverage have also made the topic known outside the specialist communities. False memory naturally appealed to us in the podcast on extinction learning and other memory phenomena. That’s why host Rainer Holl spoke to Prof. Dr. Christian Merz and Henry Soldan (both from Ruhr University Bochum), who provide an introduction to false memory research in this episode. The two show how close memories and ideas are in terms of cognitive psychology, that false memory is also a philosophical subject, and they speculate on what false memory might even be good for.

We hope you enjoy listening to the podcast and look forward to hearing from you!

More about the podcast: >>
Direct link to the podcast episode: >>

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.