Reinforced self‐affirmation as a method for reducing eyewitness memory conformity: An experimental examination using a modified MORI technique

Abstract

AbstractThe manuscript describes an experimental investigation of a technique that might reduce memory conformity: the reinforced self‐affirmation procedure (RSA). While previous studies have already demonstrated the RSA's effectiveness in reducing other memory distortions (e.g., the misinformation effect and interrogative suggestibility), this has not been tested in the context of the co‐witness memory conformity effect. To this end, we utilized the well‐known MORI technique to study co‐witness memory conformity under well‐controlled experimental conditions. While viewing different versions of the same movie, pairs of participants were sat beside each other, believing that they were viewing the same version. Next, they answered figurs collaboratively, which guided them to discuss conflicting details. Finally, participants individually took a recognition test, but in the experimental condition this was preceded by the RSA procedure, which was expected to be an effective way of eliminating the effect of memory conformity. Unexpectedly, this assumption was not confirmed. This result is further discussed.