Loftus 1975

Loftus 1975

1. Aim: Test whether memory could become distorted after exposure to misinformation

2. Method/Results: Participants watched a film, then asked 10 questions

   • Experimental question was inaccurate (implied their was a barn)
     • A week later, asked if they saw a barn

3. Conrol: 3% Experimental: 17%

4. Conclusion: Misleading information had a significant effect. Information was incorporated into the memory

5. Evaluation

   • Just shows demand characteristics. Participants assume experimentor wants a yes due to previous questions
   • Realistic material gives good ecological validity
   • Artificial situation, however this is the same for both groups