Post-event Discussion

• Skagerberg & Wright (2008) suggest that memory is distorted more through contamination than post-event discussion.
• Lab experiments have a higher risk of demand characteristics.
• Lab experiments lack ecological validity.
• Lab experiments have high control over variables, so have high internal validity.
• Lab experiments on EWT usually use students which lacks population validity.
• Bodner et al (2009) found the effects of post-event discussion can be reduced if participants are warned of their impact.
• Zaragoza & McCloskey (1989) argue that many answers in lab experiments are subject to demand characteristics.
• Eyewitnesses usually want to be helpful so are more likely to give desired responses, increasing demand characteristics.
• Gabbert tested two different populations; university students and older adults, so has higher validity.
• Distortion could be the result of poor memory not post-event discussion.
• Lab experiments like Gabbert, show videos which are arguably less emotionally arousing than witnessing real incidents.