The effects of source credibility and question wordings on witness recall: a case of the emperor's clothes

File, 2013-064-001-205

Inquire Download as PDF
Part of
Algoma University Archives > Algoma University Theses collection > Psychology series > The effects of source credibility and question wordings on witness recall: a case of the emperor's clothes
Creator
Marianne Mount
Date
1995
Physical Description
1.56 MB of textual records (PDF)
General Material Designation
Electronic record, Textual record
Language(s)
English
Bibliographic Information
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.:, OSTMA-PSYC-Mount-Marianne-19950402
Descriptive Notes
Audience: Undergraduate. -- Dissertation: Thesis (B. A.). -- Algoma University, 1995. -- Submitted in partial fulfillment of course requirements for PSYC 4105. -- Includes Tables. -- Contents: Literature review / Thesis.
Research has demonstrated that inconsistent post-event information, particularly when offered by a highly credible source, can influence on accuracy of memory recall. The present study, using 43 university students, examined the combined effects of question wording and source credibility. Questions were worded so that they were leading (consistent), misleading (inconsistent) or unbiased (irrelevant) to the actual events. Credibility was manipulated by altering the interrogator's style of dress (suit or unkempt appearance). It was hypothesized that: (a) inconsistent post-event information given by a high credibility source impedes memory of the event more than the same information given by a low credibility source and, (b) consistent post-event information given by a high credibility source produces better memory recall than the same information presented by a low credibility source. Results will be discussed.