Australian scientists have found that suggestion from other people can alter memories.

A University of Sydney study noted that if people discuss their recollections with another witness then memories of an event can be amended or added to.

Lead researcher and forensic psychologist Helen Paterson said, "People sometimes find it difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between genuine memories and false memories of an event."

About 64 undergraduate students had their memory conformity tested by showing them one of two versions of a supposed house burglary.

The researchers found that most participants reported remembering specific details that were not in the version they were shown after discussing the video with another witness. Despite being warned that they were given misinformation they would continue to remember.

Helen added, "Once their memory has been contaminated in this way, the witness is often unable to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate memories."

A false or suggested memory was the phenomenon that was found by the study and it was noted that it mostly unconsciousness and is widespread.

It was added by Helen that due to discrepancies in our memory it is not realised by people that false memories exist.