Committee Chair

Metzger, Richard L.

Department

Dept. of Psychology

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Memory errors have become a topic of interest to psychologists in many areas. The present study asked if two types of errors of commission were based on the same mechanism, increasing the utility of findings in each area. The Deese/RoedigerMcDermott false memory paradigm (Deese, 1959; Roediger & McDermott, 1995) and the unconscious transference eyewitness identification paradigm (Ross, Ceci, Dunning, & Toglia, 1994) represent two tasks in which memory errors occur. Numerous studies exist examining each of these, few if any exist that examine the relationship between false memories and false eyewitness identifications. The current study therefore, utilized tasks from each of the two paradigms in an attempt to determine if a relationship existed. It was hypothesized participants highly susceptible to false memories would be more apt to make false eyewitness identifications than less susceptible subjects. Analyses revealed no relationship between the two tasks. Results are discussed in terms of the underlying mechanisms responsible for these two errors.

Acknowledgments

There are many people to whom I am grateful for their guidance, support, and encouragement during my work on this project. First and foremost is Dr. Richard Metzger, who introduced me to research and sparked a true interest in the topic of false memories. His guidance throughout this project has been invaluable. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Amye Warren for her expertise and encouragement, and Drs. Lynn Ourth and David Ross for their advice and support. I would also like to thank my classmates, whose unfailing support and friendship eased much stress and made my two years at UTC ones I will remember with great fondness. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my husband for being at my side during the past two years and accepting all the long hours spent with schoolwork instead of him.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

5-2001

Subject

Eyewitness identification; False memory syndrome

Discipline

Cognition and Perception

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

v, 58 leaves

Language

English

Call Number

LB2369.2 .P742 2001

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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