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Susceptibility to memory distortion: how do we decide it has occurred?
Erin K Morris1, Cara Laney, Daniel M Bernstein
1University of California, Irvine 92697-7085, USA. emorris@uci.edu
The American Journal of Psychology
|July 18, 2006
Summary
Researchers reanalyzed data on false memories, finding that changing the criteria for classifying "believers" impacts susceptibility rates and conclusions about memory formation. This highlights the arbitrary nature of defining false beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Research
Background:
- Suggestive information can lead individuals to develop false beliefs or memories of past experiences.
- These false beliefs, such as avoiding foods due to a fabricated childhood illness, can influence behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reanalyze existing data using different criteria for classifying "believers" and "non-believers" in false memory research.
- To investigate how varying classification criteria affect conclusions about susceptibility to false memories.
Main Methods:
- Reanalysis of prior research data.
- Application of alternative criteria for defining individuals as "believers" or "non-believers" in response to suggestive information.
Main Results:
- Altering the criteria for classifying "believers" demonstrably affects the calculated percentage of susceptible individuals.
- The choice of criteria can influence the conclusions drawn about the characteristics of those who develop false memories.
Conclusions:
- The criteria used to define false beliefs and memories in research are somewhat arbitrary.
- Varying these definitions can significantly impact study outcomes and interpretations of memory malleability.