Warning witnesses of the possibility of misinformation helps protect their memory accuracy

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-08/tu-wwo082720.php

News Release 31-Aug-2020
Tufts University

Warning witnesses about the threat of misinformation--before or after an event--significantly reduces the negative impact of misinformation on memory, according to new research performed at Tufts University.

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The authors said the findings could have important implications for improving the accuracy of everyday memory and eyewitness testimony as part of the legal system.

"Memory is notoriously fallible and susceptible to error but our results show that a simple alert about possible misinformation is an effective tool to help eyewitnesses think back to the actual experience--with accuracy," said Ayanna Thomas, a psychology professor in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts, who is a co-author and co-principal investigator of the study. "We expect this work could enhance interview procedures and protocols, specifically within the U.S. criminal justice system, which would benefit as a public entity from low-cost interview practices to improve the accuracy of eyewitness reports."

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