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A level Psychology-Loftus and Palmer's study
76
•
11 Jul 2025
•
How Questions Change What You Remember: Loftus and Palmer's Car Crash Experiment
D
DA
@dharina21
Further Exploration of Verbal Influence on Memory
This page describes the second experiment in Loftus and Palmer's study, which delved deeper into how question wording can affect memory recall over time. The researchers expanded their investigation to examine not just speed estimates, but also the creation of false memories.
In this experiment, 150 participants watched a one-minute film showing multiple car accidents. They were then divided into three groups of 50 each:
- One group was asked about the speed of cars that "smashed" into each other
- Another group was asked about cars that "hit" each other
- A control group was not asked about speed at all
Highlight: A week after viewing the film, all participants were asked if they had seen any broken glass in the accident scenes, even though no broken glass was actually present.
The results were striking:
- 16 out of 50 participants in the "smashed" condition reported seeing broken glass
- Only 7 out of 50 in the "hit" condition reported seeing glass
- 6 out of 50 in the control group reported seeing glass
Definition: A chi-squared test is a statistical method used to determine if there is a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories.
The researchers used a chi-squared test to confirm that these differences were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to have occurred by chance.
Quote: "Loftus and Palmer states there's 2 types of info that goes into person's memory after complex event: Info obtained from witnessing event Info given AFTER event "
This experiment led to the conclusion that there are two sources of information that contribute to a person's memory of an event:
- The information obtained from actually witnessing the event
- Information provided after the event
Over time, these two sources of information merge, creating one overall memory. This process is referred to as the reconstructive hypothesis, highlighting how memory is not a perfect recording but a reconstruction influenced by various factors, including the language used in questioning.
Vocabulary: Eyewitness testimony refers to an account given by an individual of an event they have witnessed, often used as evidence in legal proceedings.
The study conclusively demonstrates that leading questions can significantly influence eyewitness testimony, emphasizing the need for careful and neutral questioning in legal and investigative contexts to preserve the accuracy of eyewitness accounts.
Loftus and Palmer's 1974 Study on Eyewitness Testimony
This page details the first experiment in Loftus and Palmer's influential study on the impact of leading questions on eyewitness testimony. The researchers aimed to investigate how the choice of verbs in questions could influence participants' estimates of vehicle speed in accident scenarios.
The procedure involved showing short clips of traffic accidents to groups of US students. Each group was then asked to estimate the speed of the cars using a question that varied only in the verb used to describe the collision. The verbs ranged from "smashed" to "contacted," with "collided," "bumped," and "hit" in between.
Highlight: The choice of verb in the question significantly affected the speed estimates given by participants.
Results showed a clear pattern: stronger verbs like "smashed" led to higher speed estimates, while milder verbs like "contacted" resulted in lower estimates. This demonstrates the power of language in shaping memory and perception.
Example: When asked about cars that "smashed" into each other, participants estimated an average speed of 40.8 mph, compared to just 31.8 mph when the verb "contacted" was used.
The researchers concluded that the wording of questions can influence eyewitness testimony in two ways:
- By creating bias when participants are uncertain about details
- By altering the witness's memory of the event, making it seem more severe than it actually was
Vocabulary: Reconstructive memory refers to the process by which people fill in gaps in their memory with information that seems plausible, often influenced by suggestions or expectations.
This experiment highlights the importance of careful questioning in legal and investigative contexts to avoid inadvertently influencing eyewitness accounts.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Questions Change What You Remember: Loftus and Palmer's Car Crash Experiment
D
DA
@dharina21
The influence of leading questions on eyewitness testimony is a crucial topic in cognitive psychology, as demonstrated by the Loftus and Palmer 1974 speed estimation experiment. This study highlights how subtle changes in language can significantly impact memory recall... Show more
Further Exploration of Verbal Influence on Memory
This page describes the second experiment in Loftus and Palmer's study, which delved deeper into how question wording can affect memory recall over time. The researchers expanded their investigation to examine not just speed estimates, but also the creation of false memories.
In this experiment, 150 participants watched a one-minute film showing multiple car accidents. They were then divided into three groups of 50 each:
- One group was asked about the speed of cars that "smashed" into each other
- Another group was asked about cars that "hit" each other
- A control group was not asked about speed at all
Highlight: A week after viewing the film, all participants were asked if they had seen any broken glass in the accident scenes, even though no broken glass was actually present.
The results were striking:
- 16 out of 50 participants in the "smashed" condition reported seeing broken glass
- Only 7 out of 50 in the "hit" condition reported seeing glass
- 6 out of 50 in the control group reported seeing glass
Definition: A chi-squared test is a statistical method used to determine if there is a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories.
The researchers used a chi-squared test to confirm that these differences were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to have occurred by chance.
Quote: "Loftus and Palmer states there's 2 types of info that goes into person's memory after complex event: Info obtained from witnessing event Info given AFTER event "
This experiment led to the conclusion that there are two sources of information that contribute to a person's memory of an event:
- The information obtained from actually witnessing the event
- Information provided after the event
Over time, these two sources of information merge, creating one overall memory. This process is referred to as the reconstructive hypothesis, highlighting how memory is not a perfect recording but a reconstruction influenced by various factors, including the language used in questioning.
Vocabulary: Eyewitness testimony refers to an account given by an individual of an event they have witnessed, often used as evidence in legal proceedings.
The study conclusively demonstrates that leading questions can significantly influence eyewitness testimony, emphasizing the need for careful and neutral questioning in legal and investigative contexts to preserve the accuracy of eyewitness accounts.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Loftus and Palmer's 1974 Study on Eyewitness Testimony
This page details the first experiment in Loftus and Palmer's influential study on the impact of leading questions on eyewitness testimony. The researchers aimed to investigate how the choice of verbs in questions could influence participants' estimates of vehicle speed in accident scenarios.
The procedure involved showing short clips of traffic accidents to groups of US students. Each group was then asked to estimate the speed of the cars using a question that varied only in the verb used to describe the collision. The verbs ranged from "smashed" to "contacted," with "collided," "bumped," and "hit" in between.
Highlight: The choice of verb in the question significantly affected the speed estimates given by participants.
Results showed a clear pattern: stronger verbs like "smashed" led to higher speed estimates, while milder verbs like "contacted" resulted in lower estimates. This demonstrates the power of language in shaping memory and perception.
Example: When asked about cars that "smashed" into each other, participants estimated an average speed of 40.8 mph, compared to just 31.8 mph when the verb "contacted" was used.
The researchers concluded that the wording of questions can influence eyewitness testimony in two ways:
- By creating bias when participants are uncertain about details
- By altering the witness's memory of the event, making it seem more severe than it actually was
Vocabulary: Reconstructive memory refers to the process by which people fill in gaps in their memory with information that seems plausible, often influenced by suggestions or expectations.
This experiment highlights the importance of careful questioning in legal and investigative contexts to avoid inadvertently influencing eyewitness accounts.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user