Children's false memories: Easier to elicit for a negative than a neutral event
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Acta Psychologica
Abstract
The present study examined the role of valence in the development of children’s implanted false memories. Seventy-six 7-year-old children listened to two true and one false narrative. The false narrative was either neutral (‘‘moving to another classroom”) or emotional negative (‘‘being accused by the teacher for copying off your neighbor”). In addition, half of the children were presented with their class photograph while listening to the narratives. During two interviews, children recalled as many details as possible from the true and false events. Results showed that the negative event elicited more false memories than the neutral event. The presentation of a true photograph did not promote the development of false memories. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
false memories, neutral event, research
Citation
Otgaar, H.P., Candel, I., & Merckelbach, H. (2008). Children's false memories: Easier to elicit for a negative than a neutral event. Acta Psychologica, 128(2), 350-354.