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Psychological Phenomena

Leveling and Sharpening

Memory Biases and Effects

Leveling and sharpening are two automatic functions of memory that shape how a story is retold. Sharpening is the tendency to remember and emphasize small details when retelling a story a person has experienced or heard, while leveling is the tendency to leave out or tone down parts of a story, which makes it easier to fill in the gaps that are left in memory.

Facts
Core ClaimSourced to the subject's own account
Leveling and sharpening are two automatic memory functions in the retelling of a story: sharpening emphasizes and adds vivid details, while leveling omits or softens parts of the original account. 1
First Described YearSourced to the subject's own account
1945 1
Classification
Type of PhenomenonSourced to the subject's own account
Cognitive Phenomenon 1
Sources
1. Leveling and Sharpening (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Wikipedia lead section, first sentence
    Leveling and sharpening are two functions that are automatic and exist within memory.
  • Wikipedia Explanation section, first sentence
    According to a study conducted by psychologists in 1945 leveling and sharpening is involved in the retelling of stories.
  • lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
    Leveling and sharpening are two functions that are automatic and exist within memory.
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