loftus and palmer Flashcards
(14 cards)
What was the aim of Loftus & Palmer (1974)?
To investigate whether the use of leading questions could influence an individual’s memory of the event, including their speed estimates and memory of non-existent details.
What research method was used in Loftus & Palmer (1974)?
A lab experiment with an independent measures design, split into two experiments using video clips of car accidents followed by memory-related questions.
What was the procedure in Experiment 1?
45 students watched 7 clips of traffic accidents. After each clip, they were asked about the speed of the cars using different verbs.
What were the results of Experiment 1?
The mean speed estimates varied by verb: Smashed = 40.8 mph, Contacted = 31.8 mph. This shows the verb used influenced participants’ memory of the speed.
What was the conclusion of Experiment 1?
Leading questions can influence memory recall. The stronger the verb used, the higher the estimated speed.
What was the procedure in Experiment 2?
150 participants watched a short film of a car crash, divided into 3 groups with different verb questions and a control group. A week later, they were asked if they saw any broken glass.
What were the results of Experiment 2?
32% of the smashed group, 14% of the hit group, and 12% of the control group reported seeing broken glass. This shows the verb affected the creation of false memories.
What was the conclusion of Experiment 2?
Leading questions can alter long-term memory, creating false memories of events that never occurred.
What type of memory does Loftus & Palmer’s study support?
Reconstructive memory — the idea that memory is influenced by post-event information and expectations.
What is a leading question?
A question that suggests a certain answer, influencing the respondent’s memory or interpretation of the event.
What were the strengths of Loftus & Palmer’s study?
High internal validity, reliable and easily replicable, mostly ethical with minimal risk of harm.
What were the limitations of Loftus & Palmer’s study?
Low ecological validity, sample bias with all American students, potential demand characteristics.
What ethical considerations were relevant to this study (VIPCARDD)?
Voluntary participation: Yes, Informed consent: Mostly, Protection from harm: Yes, Confidentiality: Maintained, Accurate reporting: Yes, Right to withdraw: Presumed, Deception: Mild, Debriefing: Likely done.
How is this study useful in the real world?
It influenced police procedures by showing that leading questions can distort eyewitness memory, leading to reforms in legal and forensic interviews.
