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Pluto behaving badly: false beliefs and their consequences.
Shari R Berkowitz1, Cara Laney, Erin K Morris
1Department of Criminology, Law & Society, University of California, Irvine 92697-7080, USA. sberkowi@uci.edu
The American Journal of Psychology
|December 25, 2008
Summary
College students developed false memories of Disneyland involving Pluto. These fabricated memories, whether negative or positive, influenced their subsequent beliefs and purchasing decisions, demonstrating the real-world impact of memory manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Memory Studies
Background:
- Memory is malleable and susceptible to suggestion.
- False memories can be implanted through suggestive techniques.
- Understanding the impact of false memories is crucial for various fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the creation of false memories in college students.
- To examine the influence of suggestive materials on memory formation.
- To assess the behavioral repercussions of implanted false memories.
Main Methods:
- College students were exposed to suggestive narratives about Disneyland.
- Participants were led to believe they had a negative or positive experience with Pluto.
- Behavioral outcomes, such as souvenir purchasing intent, were measured.
Main Results:
- A significant minority of students developed false memories of Pluto licking their ear.
- Positive suggestions led to greater acceptance of the ear-licking memory.
- Participants with negative false memories were less willing to purchase Pluto souvenirs.
Conclusions:
- False beliefs and memories can be successfully implanted in adults.
- Implanted false memories have tangible repercussions on subsequent behavior and decision-making.
- This research highlights the profound influence of suggestion on memory and behavior.
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