Summary of Loftus and Palmer EXP 2 Flashcards
What was the aim of Loftus and Palmer EXP 2?
The aim was to explore how different forms of questioning affect eyewitness memory accuracy regarding a filmed event.
What was the methodology of Loftus and Palmer EXP 2?
Participants watched a video of a car accident and were then asked questions about the event, including a critical question about the speed of the cars involved, where the verb used (e.g., “smashed” vs. “hit”) implied different speeds. The participants were then asked about whether they saw broken glass in the footage, although there was no actual broken glass in the video.
What were the findings of Loftus and Palmer EXP 2?
The study found that the choice of verb in the critical question significantly influenced participants’ estimates of the speed of the vehicles. When the verb “smashed” was used, participants estimated higher speeds compared to when the verb “hit” was used. Additionally, the presence of the leading question about broken glass increased the likelihood of participants reporting seeing broken glass, even though there was none in the video.
What did Loftus and Palmer EXP 2 conclude?
The results indicate that subtle changes in the wording of questions can alter eyewitness testimony, potentially leading to inaccuracies in memory recall. The study suggests that leading questions can create false memories or distortions in recollection.
How was the study implicated?
This study highlights the importance of careful questioning in legal settings and eyewitness testimonies. It suggests that law enforcement, lawyers, and judges should be cautious about the wording of questions to ensure the accuracy and reliability of witness accounts.
How fast were the cars going when they ‘hit’?
8 mph
How fast were the cars going when they ‘smashed’?
10.46 mph
How many reported broken glass when ‘hit’?
7
How many reported broken glass when ‘smashed’?
16
How many reported broken glass in control group?
6
