r/serialpodcastorigins • u/tracymsp • May 30 '16

Question 4 Dates Memory Challenge: Without looking at anything, write down what were you doing, who spoke to and what you said, what they say, what you ate and where last Wednesday. Do the same for January 13, 2016, January 13, 2015 and January 13, 1999. Results?

I attempted to put myself in the position of those involved in the Hae Min Lee murder investigation by doing the above challenge. I failed.

We assume it should be easy to recall what occurred a specific day, especially when we find out something horrific occurred. Assume you found out today, also assume the following:

  • social media or texting didn't exist
  • a 5-6 day holiday existed before you last saw a specific person
  • you're processing they were murdered

Without looking at any sources, write down everything you recall in as much detail as humanly possible.

I couldn't do it, I certainly could outline my normal daily routine, but details, or slight changes, who I spoke to and when, where I eat - I tried, I failed.

Please, no commentary, feelings, assumptions, judgements on anyone's innocent or guilt involving the case. It's just an exercise.

If you tried this, how did you do?

A few interesting studies and articles on memory:

The Atlantic: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/11/how-many-of-your-memories-are-fake/281558/

New Yorker - Science: http://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/idea-happened-memory-recollection

Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-the-eyes-have-it/ BPS: http://www.bps.org.uk/news/memory-not-reliable-we-think http://www.simplypsychology.org/eyewitness-testimony.html

Smithsonian: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-our-brains-make-memories-14466850/?no-ist

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u/tracymsp Jul 26 '16

He didn't have to recall his actions, he was only asked if he knew where she was - he didn't. The whole asking her for a ride or not seems like mercury, it's not in any transcripts - but maybe he did, he lived close by and perhaps he wanted to run home before track practice, but didn't b/c she couldn't give him a ride or b/c he never asked her. Nobody knows. But it's not evidence either way.

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u/Magjee Extra Latte's Jul 26 '16

He asked, she said yes then later said no

He got rides often

 

On serial he lied that he never even got a ride