False Memory Amber Adkins Angela Di Geronimo and

False Memory Amber Adkins, Angela Di. Geronimo, and Dana Newton

Past Research n Memory is used in almost all functions of cognition n It is important to explore the limitations n Loftus provides evidence for constructive memories – Witness testimony

Hypotheses n Relatedness – Irrelevant stimuli will not induce false memories as much as relevant stimuli n Intensity – Mild stimuli will not induce false memories as much as harsh stimuli

Method n Participants – 44 § 27 female § Age: 18 -22 n Equipment

Method n Stimulus – 4 movie clips n Procedure – car accident vignette – viewed one of four movie clips – filled out a questionnaire

Results n Between-Subjects n 2 x 2 Factorial Design – Intensity: High or Low – Relatedness: High or Low n There was a significant main effect between high and low intensity for damage, F(1, 40) = 7. 795, p =. 008.

Results Figure 1. Average response of injury across all conditions

Results Figure 2. Average response of damage across all conditions

Conclusion n Hypotheses were not supported n Relevant and low intensity film clip created more false memories with damage – Close relationship with vignette n Irrelevant and high intensity film clip created more false memories with injuries – Close relationship with possible injuries – Emotional component