KEY STUDY -LOFTUS AND PALMER (1974)

EWT-the effect of misleading information

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LOFTUS AND PALMER (1974)

24 uni students were shown a film about a traffic incident. The were then asked leading questions (post event information) .each group were asked one critical   question about  the speed of the car , containing one of the following words 'smashed','hit','colided' , 'contacted'.

findings-those given the words 'smashed' estimated the highest speed whereas those who were given a question containing the word 'contacted' estimated the lowest speed.

2nd experiment-to investigate whether post even information effects retrieval or storage

150 different PPS  were shown a film about a traffic accident.A week later they were asked whether they there was any broken glass

those who were given a question containing the word 'smashed' were more likely to recollect broken glass.More than 15% recalled broken glass even though there was none. This experiment showed that leading questions affect initial storage.

Evaluation -Validity -not true to life -does not represent real eyewitness testimony.

Foster et al. found that recall was more accurate in real life.

Hard to estimate speed PPS may therefore look for any available cues.

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Comments

MrsMacLean

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Clear and concise summary of Loftus and Palmer's classic experiment, many thanks.

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