conclusion

• Conclusions 

  Gabbert et al. concluded that post-event discussion significantly increases the likelihood of memory distortion, highlighting the susceptibility of eyewitness testimony to contamination. This study provided compelling evidence that even minor social interactions can lead to substantial inaccuracies in recall, as witnesses combine their own memories with external information.
• The findings suggest that to preserve the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, it is crucial to minimise opportunities for witnesses to discuss events with one another before providing individual accounts. Strategies such as separating witnesses immediately after an event can help reduce the risk of memory contamination.
• Gabbert et al.’s research complements previous studies, such as Loftus and Palmer’s work on misleading questions, by demonstrating that memory distortions can arise not only from direct questioning but also from social interactions. This underscores the reconstructive and malleable nature of human memory.