Photograph type and content influences memory retrieval models that are too broad, too tight, or just right

Research to date suggests that non-event-specific photo/narrative pairings produce higher false memory rates than do event-specific photos. The former differ from the latter in that the former provide relevant imagery but omit the specific event to be recalled, thereby promoting novel imaginings and increasing the likelihood of false memories. Two studies sought to determine which type of photograph constitutes a superior retrieval cue. The first study explored the role of how the photograph was framed upon presentation. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to conditions as follows: 1) narrative alone, 2) narrative plus photograph introduced as having been taken during the event, and 3) narrative plus photograph introduced as having been taking during the time period that the event took place. Participants were asked to provide as much descriptive detail about their memories for four events allegedly provided by their parents, one of which included a childhood hot-air balloon ride with a parent. They rated their memory (and quality thereof) for each event. Additionally, participants\u27 responses were rated as to the extent to which they constituted visual images or memories. The findings suggest that retrieval cues that favour the generation of a broader memory search model do play an important role in remembering. Both subjective and objective data demonstrated that the wider frame of reference of the from that time period condition led to higher false memory formation compared to the narrower frame of reference of the during the event condition. Overall, a photograph does not have to depict an event, nor even be viewed as being representative of the event, in order to exert a powerful influence on false memory formation. The second study examined the role of photograph content on false memory formation. Thirty-three participants were randomized to conditions as follows: 1) event-absent photograph, 2) non-event specific photograph, 3) event-specific photograph. The event-absent and the event-specific conditions yielded false memories at an equal frequency. These two groups also formed autobiographical beliefs in the event\u27s occurrence, with those in the doctored, event-specific photograph giving the highest ratings. Unfortunately, familiarity with the experimental design compromised the results of the second study

Creating memories for false autobiographical events in childhood: a systematic review

Using a framework that distinguishes autobiographical belief, recollective experience, and confidence in memory, we review three major paradigms used to suggest false childhood events to adults: imagination inflation, false feedback and memory implantation. Imagination inflation and false feedback studies increase the belief that a suggested event occurred by a small amount such that events are still thought unlikely to have happened. In memory implantation studies, some recollective experience for the suggested events is induced on average in 47% of participants, but only in 15% are these experiences likely to be rated as full memories. We conclude that susceptibility to false memories of childhood events appears more limited than has been suggested. The data emphasise the complex judgements involved in distinguishing real from imaginary recollections and caution against accepting investigator-based ratings as necessarily corresponding to participants' self-reports. Recommendations are made for presenting the results of these studies in courtroom settings