Misinformation Effect: Distorting Memory with False Information

What is the phenomenon when individuals witness an event, receive misleading information about it, and then incorporate the misleading information into their memory of the event?

A. False memory

B. Misinformation

C. Inoculation

D. Interference

Answer:

The process of witnessing an event, receiving misleading information about it, and then incorporating the misleading information into one's memory of the event is referred to as the misinformation effect. The correct option is B.

The misinformation effect is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals witness an event, receive misleading information about it, and subsequently incorporate the misleading details into their memory of the event. This effect highlights the malleability of human memory and the susceptibility of individuals to external influences that can distort their recollection of past events.

Research in psychology has extensively explored the misinformation effect, demonstrating how exposure to inaccurate information, whether intentional or unintentional, can shape and alter an individual's memory. This phenomenon has implications for various fields, including eyewitness testimony reliability and the potential for the spread of false memories.

Understanding the misinformation effect is crucial in evaluating the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness accounts and memory recall. It underscores the need for caution when relying on individual recollections, especially in legal and investigative contexts.

In summary, the correct answer is B. The process described is known as the misinformation effect, where misleading information influences and distorts an individual's memory of an event.