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Why do doctored images distort memory?

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Nash, Robert Alastair, Wade, Kimberley A. and Brewer, Rebecca J.. (2009) Why do doctored images distort memory? Consciousness and Cognition, Vol.18 (No.3). pp. 773-780. ISSN 1053-8100

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2009.04.011

Abstract

Doctored images can cause people to believe in and remember experiences that never occurred, yet the underlying mechanism(s) responsible are not well understood. How does compelling false evidence distort autobiographical memory? Subjects were filmed observing and copying a Research Assistant performing simple actions, then they returned 2 days later for a memory test. Before taking the test, subjects viewed video-clips of simple actions, including actions that they neither observed nor performed earlier. We varied the format of the video-clips between-subjects to tap into the source-monitoring mechanisms responsible for the ‘doctored-evidence effect.’ The distribution of belief and memory distortions across conditions suggests that at least two mechanisms are involved: doctored images create an illusion of familiarity, and also enhance the perceived credibility of false suggestions. These findings offer insight into how external evidence influences source-monitoring.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	False memory syndrome, Autobiographical memory, Imagery (Psychology), Metacognition
Journal or Publication Title:	Consciousness and Cognition
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1053-8100
Date:	September 2009
Volume:	Vol.18
Number:	No.3
Page Range:	pp. 773-780
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.concog.2009.04.011
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/1061