Generation of Misinformation (From Psychology and Law: International Perspectives, P 292-301, 1992, Friedrich Losel, Doris Bender, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-148224)

• NCJ Number: 148245
• Author(s): H G Hoffman; E F Loftus; C N Greenmun; R L Dashiell
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Walter de Gruyter & Co
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Germany (Unified)

Annotation

Although prosecutors prefer to base their cases against alleged criminals on tangible evidence, eyewitness testimony is sometimes the only evidence that a crime has been committed; the memory of a particular event, however, may be vulnerable to suggestive influence and misinformation.

Abstract

Two studies are reported that found a misinformation effect. In one study, 68 students viewed slides of an office theft and were asked to answer questions about the event; some subjects were deliberately misled. Correct responses of 43 percent for misled items and 63 percent for control items were obtained. In a second study, similar to the first study, 136 students were also shown slides of an office theft. Narratives and test questions in the second study were computer-controlled. The mean percent correct was 59 percent for misled items and 70 percent for control items. Both studies documented a misinformation effect that affects the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Factors influencing suggestibility are examined, and theoretical implications of the misinformation effect are discussed. 26 references and 1 table