MEMORY ILLUSIONS AND FALSE MEMORIES

Memory Illusions and False Memories

Memory Illusions and False Memories

Abstract

Two experiments investigated whether previous termfalsenext term recognition in the Deese-previous termRoediger-McDermottnext term (DRM) paradigm is mediated by individual differences in need for cognition. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with word lists composed of associates which converge on a non-presented critical word. On a subsequent recognition test, high need for cognition participants falsely recognized a greater proportion of critical words as having been previously studied than did low need for cognition participants. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1, and also tested a manipulation of list strength. Word lists used were either strong or weak in terms of eliciting the critical item. These experiments show that individual differences in approach to information processing tasks can affect the rate of previous termfalse memorynext term elicited in the DRM task.

Method

The first step for this experiment was Study Phase, in study phase 96 words taken from 8 of R&Ms (1995) lists, presented in a random order. Each is shown for 2 seconds, two 30 second breaks, two minutes of mental arithmetic

The second step was Recognition Phase. In Recognition Phase 96 words comprised of 40 old words: words previously seen taken equally from the 8 lists.

8 critical old lures: the 8 themes (associate words) of the above lists 48 new words 6 words each from R&Ms lists, not previously presented.

96 words will be presented in a random order, each word will be presented with the confidence rating scale. As soon as the participant rates their confidence for a given word the next word and rating scale will appear.

likert scale questionnaire has been used for this study.

A Likert scale is a psychometric scale commonly used in questionnaires, and is the most widely used scale in survey research. When responding to a Likert questionnaire item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement.

A benefit is that questions used are usually easy to understand and so lead to consistent answers. A disadvantage is that only a few options are offered, with which respondents may not fully agree.

As with any other measurement, the options should be a carefully selected set of questions or statements that act together to give a useful and coherent picture.

A problem can occur where people may become influenced by the way they have answered previous questions. For example if they have agreed several times in a row, they may continue to agree. They may also deliberately break the pattern, disagreeing with a statement with which they might otherwise have agreed. This patterning can be broken up by asking reversal questions, where the sense of of the question is reversed - thus in the example above, a reversal might be 'I do not like going to Chinese restaurants'. Sometimes the 'do not' is emphasized, to ensure people notice it, although this can cause bias and hence needs great care.

There is much debate about how many choices should be offered. An odd number of choices allows people to sit ...