Accuracy of EWT - misleading information

Question 1

What are 2 examples of misleading information which may affect EWT?

Answer 1

• Leading questions
• Post-event discussion

Question 2

Outline the effect of leading questions on EWT and research which supports this.

Researchers?

Answer 2

• Post-event questions with the ability to alter/create false memories.
• Loftus and Palmer
  
  • Participants guess car collision speed - “contacted” vs “smashed”
  • 31.8mph vs 40.8mph

Question 3

Suggest a problem with post-event discussion between witnesses of a crime.

Answer 3

• Witness discussion may result in a group conclusion / may warp individuals memory of events.

Question 4

What is another example of post-event discussion which may alter witness-memory

Answer 4

Repeat interviewing

Question 5

2 pros + 1 con of research into EWT

Answer 5

• Many innocent convictions becuase of incorrect EWT. Research + DNA exonertation cases highlight problem.
• Supporting research by Loftus demonstrates power of Misleading information. - Car crash, Disneyland.
• Research by Foster suggests that Real Life EW minimally affected by misleading information.
  
  • Counters Loftus’ results from artificial experiments.