The misinformation effect describes how our memories can be altered by exposure to incorrect information after an event. Psychological studies, particularly those by Elizabeth Loftus, have demonstrated that false details introduced during questioning can distort eyewitness accounts. For example, a witness to a car accident might unconsciously adopt incorrect details, such as speeding, based solely on misleading reports later encountered. This phenomenon highlights the fragility of memory and the importance of careful questioning in legal and other contexts to maintain accuracy.
"The misinformation effect tells us just how easily our memory recollections can be affected by false information. When we are told inaccurate details after an event, our minds unknowingly change our memories..."
"If a question includes a false or misleading detail, then it can change their firsthand memory. This is important in contexts like eyewitness testimonies, where accuracy is crucial."
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