Memory is reconstructive so the original perception of the event is retrieved through the use of schemas (expectation) and is added to and refreshed each time
Memories can be altered when they are discussed or asked about post event - comments and questions from others can become part of the memory
The two variables: Post event discussion and leading questions
Post event discussion
When two witnesses to a crime discuss the event with each other, the testimonies become contaminated
This may be due to memory conformity (ISI or NSI)
They combine information from other witnesses with their memories
Post event discussion - Fiona Gabbert et al (2003)
Participants were studied in pairs - each watched a video of the same crime filmed from different point of views
Both then discussed what they had seen
Findings - 71% of participants mistakenly recalled aspects of the event
Witnesses go along with each other due to memory conformity
Leading Questions
Question wording can alter answers
Loftus and Palmer (1974)
Participants watched clips of car accidents and then asked questions about them
the leading question was ‘about how fast were the cars going when they hit each other’ - the word ‘hit‘ indicating speed
Hit was changed for each group (eg smashed,bumped)
Findings - The harsher the verb the higher the mean estimated speed
Response bias explanation
No affect on ppts memories, but influences how they answer
Substitution explanation
The wording of a leading question can actually change ppts memory
