Eye Witness Testimony (misleading Info)

Question 1

What was the aim of Loftus and Palmer (1974) study

Answer 1

To test their hypothesis that the language used (verbs) in eyewitness testimony can alter memory

Question 2

What was the procedure of Loftus and Palmer (1974) study?

Answer 2

45 American students formed an opportunity sample. Films of traffic accidents ranging 5-30 seconds were presented in a random order to each group. After watching film participants were asked “how fast were the cars going when they (smashed/collided/bumped/hit/contacted) each other? IV was the wording of the question and DV was the speed reported by participants.

Question 3

What were the findings of Loftus and Palmer (1974) study

Answer 3

The estimated speed was affected by the verb used. Participants in “smashed” condition reported the highest speed estimate (40.8mph) whereas participants in “contacted” condition reported 31.8mph. Verb used conveyed an impression of speed the car was travelling.