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Influences of misleading postevent information: misinformation interference and acceptance
1Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. General
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Misleading post-event information can bias memory recall. This study found that misinformation acceptance occurred, and in one experiment, misinformation interfered with remembering the original event, suggesting memory impairment or confusion.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Research
Background:
- The impact of post-event information on memory accuracy is debated.
- Retrieval tests can introduce biases affecting memory assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of misleading post-event information on memory.
- To differentiate between misinformation acceptance and misinformation interference.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using a specialized retrieval test.
- The test assessed both the biasing effects of misinformation (acceptance) and its influence on memory (interference).
Main Results:
- Both experiments confirmed misinformation acceptance.
- One experiment indicated that misinformation interferes with recalling the original event.
Conclusions:
- Misinformation acceptance is a demonstrable effect.
- Evidence suggests misinformation can interfere with original memory, potentially through impairment or confusion.