Post-Event discussion

• What is post-event discussion and its effects?

  • Occurs when witnesses discuss an event
  • Can lead to misleading information
  • Results in false memories and reduced recall accuracy
• What was the aim of Gabbert et al (2003)?

  To investigate post-event discussion effects
• Describe the procedure of Gabbert et al (2003).

  • Participants watched a crime video from different viewpoints
  • They discussed what they saw before recall
  • A control group had no discussion before recall
• What were the findings of Gabbert et al (2003)?

  71% recalled aspects not seen in the video
• What conclusion can be drawn from Gabbert et al (2003)?

  Post-event discussion alters eyewitness testimony
• What is a strength of Gabbert's research?

  • Highly replicable due to scientific control
  • Controlled extraneous variables
  • Allows testing for reliability
• What are the practical applications of research on eyewitness testimony?

  • Changes in police interviewing methods
  • Eyewitnesses interviewed separately
  • Reduced reliance on eyewitness statements in court
• What is a limitation of Gabbert's research?

  • Tasks used are artificial
  • Videos do not replicate real-life incidents
  • Lacks mundane realism
• What did Foster et al. (1994) find regarding eyewitness identification?

  Identification accuracy improves if participants believe it's real
• What is a weakness of research into post-event discussion?

  • Other factors may be more important
  • Leading questions can distort memory
  • Loftus and Palmer's study supports this
• How did Loftus and Palmer demonstrate the effect of leading questions?

  Participants estimated speed based on wording
• What word led to the highest speed estimate in Loftus and Palmer's study?

  Smashed
• What does the wording of a question affect?

  • Can distort memory of an event
  • Leads to false conclusions
  • Influences eyewitness testimony accuracy
• What is the overall implication of research on post-event discussion?

  • Highlights the fragility of memory
  • Suggests caution in eyewitness testimony
  • Indicates need for improved interviewing techniques