Memory - False Memory Flashcards
What is false memory?
A memory that isn’t real/didn’t happen but feels like it is real
Aim of Loftus and Pickrell’s study?
To see if a false memory can be created through suggestion to test the existence of repressed and false memories
(To see if by suggesting something is true, they can make false memores)
Method of Loftus and Pickrell’s study?
- 24 participants and fro each a relative was contacted
- given 4 short stories about childhood events
- one was false about getting lost in a mall
- asked to read each story and recall each event
- after 2 weeks had to recall each one and gues which was false after 2 interviews and debriefing
Results of Loftus and Pickrell’s study?
They remembered 68% of true events only 6 recalled false story
19 identified it as false
Conclusion of Loftus and Pickrell’s study?
Suggests that imagining an event has the potential of creating and implanting a false memory
Shows they are an example of reduced accuracy in memory
Weakness of Loftus and Pickrell’s study? (Therapist)
The memory isn’t like one recovered by a therapist (not as traumatic)
It might be that relatively harmless events can be implanted easily but it might not be true for more traumatic things
Conclusions that can be drawn are limited
Weakness of Loftus and Pickrell’s study? (Left w memories)
Participants may be left with the implanted false memories
It’s possible that after the debriefing, they could still believe/be unsure wether it happened
Raises ethical issues - is it important enough to manipulate people in this way
Strength of Loftus and Pickrell’s study?
It has important implications for eyewitness testimonies
Police may unconsciously ask questions in a way that may implant false memories
Eg - was there a gun in his hand or was there anything in his hand?
Eyewitness testimonies are no longer considered reliable evidence so courts changed the way the deal with them
