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29 Jun 2025
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The effects of leading questions on eyewitness recallcan significantly... Show more
Loftus and Palmer conducted additional research to support their findings on the role of misleading questions in reducing eyewitness testimony accuracy. In a follow-up study, they showed 150 students a video of a car crash and divided them into three groups: one asked about "smashed" cars, another about "hit" cars, and a control group not asked any questions.
Example: A week later, when asked if they saw broken glass , participants in the "smashed" condition were twice as likely to report false memories of broken glass.
This further demonstrates how misleading information and eyewitness memory accuracy are intertwined, as post-event questioning can create false memories.
However, the research has been criticized for lacking mundane realism and ecological validity.
Vocabulary: Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be applied to real-world situations.
Foster et al. found that participants who believed they were watching a real-life robbery and thought their responses would influence a trial were more accurate in identifying the robber.
Highlight: The artificial laboratory setting of Loftus' study may limit its applicability to real-life eyewitness testimony situations.
This criticism suggests that the findings from laboratory research settings may not fully represent real-life eyewitness behavior, potentially weakening the study's support for the role of misleading information in affecting eyewitness testimony accuracy.
Quote: "It can be argued that the findings from artificial laboratory research settings such as Loftus' study may not be applicable to real-life EWT behaviour."
Despite these limitations, the Loftus and Palmer 1975 eyewitness testimony study remains a seminal work in understanding the effects of leading questions on eyewitness recall and the impact of misleading information and eyewitness memory accuracy.
The Loftus and Palmer 1975 eyewitness testimony study aimed to investigate the effects of leading questions on eyewitness recall. This laboratory experiment involved 45 students divided into five groups, who watched seven films of traffic accidents. After each film, participants completed questionnaires containing a critical question about the cars' speed during the collision.
The researchers manipulated the verb used in the question, employing "hit," "smashed," "collided," "bumped," or "contacted." The findings revealed a significant correlation between the verb used and the estimated speed, with "smashed" yielding the highest speed estimates and "contacted" the lowest .
Highlight: The choice of verb in the question significantly influenced participants' speed estimates, demonstrating how leading questions can affect eyewitness memory.
Definition: Misleading information refers to post-event details that can alter an individual's original memory of an event.
Example: When asked "How fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other?", participants estimated higher speeds compared to when the word "contacted" was used.
The researchers concluded that the form of questioning can significantly impact a witness's answer. Leading questions provide post-event information that can be stored and affect the original memory, potentially reducing the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
Vocabulary: Eyewitness Testimony - The account given by an individual who has observed an event, often used as evidence in legal proceedings.
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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
The effects of leading questions on eyewitness recall can significantly impact the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. The Loftus and Palmer 1975 eyewitness testimony study demonstrated how misleading information and eyewitness memory accuracy are closely linked.
Key findings:
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Loftus and Palmer conducted additional research to support their findings on the role of misleading questions in reducing eyewitness testimony accuracy. In a follow-up study, they showed 150 students a video of a car crash and divided them into three groups: one asked about "smashed" cars, another about "hit" cars, and a control group not asked any questions.
Example: A week later, when asked if they saw broken glass , participants in the "smashed" condition were twice as likely to report false memories of broken glass.
This further demonstrates how misleading information and eyewitness memory accuracy are intertwined, as post-event questioning can create false memories.
However, the research has been criticized for lacking mundane realism and ecological validity.
Vocabulary: Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be applied to real-world situations.
Foster et al. found that participants who believed they were watching a real-life robbery and thought their responses would influence a trial were more accurate in identifying the robber.
Highlight: The artificial laboratory setting of Loftus' study may limit its applicability to real-life eyewitness testimony situations.
This criticism suggests that the findings from laboratory research settings may not fully represent real-life eyewitness behavior, potentially weakening the study's support for the role of misleading information in affecting eyewitness testimony accuracy.
Quote: "It can be argued that the findings from artificial laboratory research settings such as Loftus' study may not be applicable to real-life EWT behaviour."
Despite these limitations, the Loftus and Palmer 1975 eyewitness testimony study remains a seminal work in understanding the effects of leading questions on eyewitness recall and the impact of misleading information and eyewitness memory accuracy.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Loftus and Palmer 1975 eyewitness testimony study aimed to investigate the effects of leading questions on eyewitness recall. This laboratory experiment involved 45 students divided into five groups, who watched seven films of traffic accidents. After each film, participants completed questionnaires containing a critical question about the cars' speed during the collision.
The researchers manipulated the verb used in the question, employing "hit," "smashed," "collided," "bumped," or "contacted." The findings revealed a significant correlation between the verb used and the estimated speed, with "smashed" yielding the highest speed estimates and "contacted" the lowest .
Highlight: The choice of verb in the question significantly influenced participants' speed estimates, demonstrating how leading questions can affect eyewitness memory.
Definition: Misleading information refers to post-event details that can alter an individual's original memory of an event.
Example: When asked "How fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other?", participants estimated higher speeds compared to when the word "contacted" was used.
The researchers concluded that the form of questioning can significantly impact a witness's answer. Leading questions provide post-event information that can be stored and affect the original memory, potentially reducing the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
Vocabulary: Eyewitness Testimony - The account given by an individual who has observed an event, often used as evidence in legal proceedings.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
