- Most states have banned using hypnosis to gather testimony, as eyewitnesses who have been hypnotized often have difficulty telling the difference between reality and false memories; this can make them combative with cross-examination

Washington State University at Tri-Cities

The accuracy of memories retrieved under hypnosis is variable under normal circumstances

Accuracy of repressed memories retrieved under hypnosis

Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2009). 50 great myths of popular psychology : Shattering widespread misconceptions about human behavior.

50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology

- Hypnosis has either no effect on memory or impairs and distorts recall
- When hypnosis did increase memories it was because people guessed or reported memories they were unsure of, which creates an increase in inaccurate memories
- Hypnosis inflates confidence in memories but this confidence is unwarranted as the memories are often inaccurate

Accuracy of memory under hypnosis

Hypnotically retrieved memories in courtrooms and for eyewitnesses

Evaluate the potential outcomes of the therapeutic approach described in the case study below, specifically concerning the client's memory. What is the most significant risk to the accuracy of any memories that might be recalled, and why is the client's potential confidence in these memories problematic?

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