# 52. Manipulation of Memory ## 52.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 52.5.34. Tip of the tongue This is the phenomenon where a subject is able to recall parts of an item, or related information, but is frustratingly unable to recall the whole item. This is thought to be an instance of "Memory blocking" where multiple similar memories are being recalled and interfere with each other. A manipulator can cause this to happen to a victim by bombarding the victim with memory requests of a similar type. The victim gets confused and is unable to fully recall the whole details of any one memory. It's a tactic used in aggressive interrogation and cross-examination to undermine the credibility of a defendant or witness.