The effect of shyness on eyewitness memory and the susceptibility to misinformation

Abstract

Witness shyness was investigated to determine its effect on eyewitness recall memory and susceptibility to the ‘misinformation effect’. Thirty-nine shy and 41 non-shy participants were exposed to a filmed mock crime. Recall accuracy was assessed via free recall and directed recall. Participants were subsequently asked to read a script containing misinformation. The direct recall questionnaire then was re-administered to assess witnesses’ susceptibility to the ‘misinformation effect’. Shy and non-shy witnesses produced comparable recall accuracy rates. Person details were recalled more accurately prior to misinformation by both groups. After the misinformation was introduced, both groups produced significantly higher recall accuracy rates for event details.