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Transmitting false memories in social groups
Barbara H Basden1, Matthew B Reysen, David R Basden
1Department of Psychology, M/S PH 11, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740-8019, USA. barbb@csufresno.edu
The American Journal of Psychology
|June 4, 2002
Summary
False memories can spread between people. Participants falsely recalled, recognized, and remembered critical words from perceived group recall (PGR) tests as if they were original items, demonstrating social transmission of memory errors.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Memory Studies
Background:
- The study investigates the social transmission of memory errors.
- Previous research has explored false memory formation but not its social propagation within groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if false memories can be socially transmitted through group recall paradigms.
- To examine the impact of perceived group recall (PGR) on the likelihood of false memory recall and recognition.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using word lists from Roediger and McDermott (1995).
- Participants engaged in perceived group recall (PGR) tests, some including critical non-presented words.
- Individual recall and recognition tests (with remember/know judgments) were administered subsequently.
Main Results:
- Critical words presented during PGR tests were as likely to be falsely recalled as original list items.
- False recognition and conscious remembering of critical words were also significantly influenced by PGR exposure.
- The social context of the PGR test facilitated the incorporation of non-presented items into individual memory.
Conclusions:
- False memories can be effectively transmitted through social interactions within a group setting.
- Perceived group recall (PGR) is a potent mechanism for the social spread of memory distortions.
- This research highlights the malleability of memory and the influence of social factors on recall accuracy.