False memory refers to the phenomenon where a person recalls an event that did not actually occur or remembers it differently from how it happened. This can happen due to various factors, including suggestion, misinformation, or the blending of real memories with imagined ones. False memories can feel very real to the individual, leading them to believe in the accuracy of their recollections. Research in psychology has shown that false memories can be created through leading questions or exposure to misleading information. Notable studies, such as those conducted by Elizabeth Loftus, have demonstrated how easily memories can be distorted, raising important questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony in legal settings.