The idea that the misinformation effect can occur without memory distortions or source monitoring errors

Arizona State University

Misleading information that is presented to someone after witnessing event can change how they recall and explain that event. One common explanation is retroactive interference (new learning interfering with old memory/understanding)

Misinformation  Effect Paradigm

Polak, M., Dukała, K., Szpitalak, M., & Polczyk, R. (2016). Toward a non-memory misinformation effect: Accessing the original source does not prevent yielding to misinformation. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues, 35(1), 1-12. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-015-9352-8

Toward a non-memory misinformation effect: Accessing the original source does not prevent yielding to misinformation

Information presented after someone witnesses an event that is misleading and can potentially change their memory of that event. It is often problematic in criminal cases when witnesses are given MPI.

Misleading Postevent Information (MPI)

Gabbert, F., Memon, A., Allan, K., & Wright, D.B. (2004/2010). Say it to my face: Examining the effects of socially encountered misinformation. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 9(2), 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1348/1355325041719428

Say it to my face: Examining the effects of socially encountered misinformation

Aging and the Misinformation Effect: A Neuropsychological Analysis

One factor that could affect one's susceptibility to the misinformation effect is sleep. However, the research conducted on this relationship has yielded inconclusive results. 

The Misinformation Effect and Sleep

Methods for Studying the Misinformation Effect

Since self-confidence and memory are positively linked, it is thought that a positive self-image should be linked to lower susceptibility to the misinformation effect. This hypothesis assumes that susceptibility to misinformation is at least in part due to a lack of confidence in one's memories. 

Positive feedback to protect against the misinformation effect

The idea that memory reports become contaminated with information coming from sources other than the original

Memory Misinformation Effect

Non-Memory Misinformation Effect

An intervention to the misinformation effect consisting of the addition of a warning after the presentation of misleading information. Post-warnings intend to encourage less reliance on information presented after an event.

Misinformation Effect Interventions: Post-warnings

- Memory impairment 
- Biased responding
- Source misattribution
- Memory conversion processes

Misinformation Effect: Mechanisms

False memories germinated from misinformation that an individual whole-heartedly believed in and can provide emotional, sensational, and factual details when recalling. 


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