Misleading Information

• What is the main focus of the research discussed in the study material?

  The effects of leading questions on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony
• What is meant by misleading information in the context of eyewitness testimony?

  Using words that imply something has happened in a way that could lead to a distorted memory
• How can leading questions affect eyewitness testimony according to Loftus and Palmer's research?

  They can influence how participants decide to answer, leading to response-bias
• What was the aim of Loftus and Palmer's first experiment?

  To investigate whether the wording of a question affects speed estimates of a car crash
• What was the sample used in Loftus and Palmer's first experiment?

  45 American students
• What procedure did participants undergo in Loftus and Palmer's first experiment?

  They were shown a video of a car crash and asked a critical question about the speed
• What were the critical verbs used in Loftus and Palmer's experiment?

  Smashed, hit, collided, bumped, or contacted
• What were the findings of Loftus and Palmer's first experiment regarding speed estimates?

  Participants guessed a higher speed when they heard 'smashed' compared to 'contacted'
• What conclusion can be drawn from Loftus and Palmer's first experiment?

  The wording of the question influences how participants decide to answer, indicating response-bias
• What did Loftus and Palmer's second experiment demonstrate?

  The wording of the question can actually change a participant's memory of the film clip
• What was a significant finding from Loftus and Palmer's second experiment regarding broken glass?

  Participants who heard 'smashed' were more likely to report seeing broken glass later
• What are the practical applications of research into misleading questions on eyewitness testimony?

  • Helps the legal system ensure accurate recall by avoiding leading questions
  • Improves the quality of eyewitness testimony
  • Important for applied psychology
• What is the cognitive interview technique developed from research into misleading information?

  • A technique used by police officers
  • Does not allow leading questions
  • Aims to improve the accuracy of statements recalled
• What is a limitation of the research into misleading information regarding ecological validity?

  The research lacks ecological validity as it was conducted in a laboratory with an artificial task
• Why is it difficult to generalize the findings of the research into real-life situations?

  Because the study lacked emotion and was conducted in an artificial environment
• What is a consequence of misleading information in real-world situations?

  It can have important consequences, such as wrongful convictions
• How does the research into misleading information affect the internal validity of the study?

  It has high control over extraneous variables, allowing for a cause and effect relationship to be established
• What are the independent and dependent variables in Loftus and Palmer's research?

  IV: Leading questions; DV: Speed estimates