How does misinformation impact eyewitness testimony?

Misinformation significantly impacts eyewitness testimony, particularly in how it can distort details remembered. When individuals are exposed to misleading information after an event, it can alter their memories of that event. This distortion can occur in various forms, such as inaccuracies in recalling specific details or even the incorporation of entirely fabricated information into their memory.

Research indicates that when individuals are presented with incorrect information, they may inadvertently integrate this misinformation into their own recollection, leading to a modified and often less accurate portrayal of what actually transpired. This phenomenon is known as the misinformation effect, which has been extensively documented in cognitive psychology. Consequently, eyewitnesses may confidently recall these distorted details, leading to further complications in legal proceedings.

This misrepresentation due to misinformation underscores the need for careful handling of eyewitness accounts and highlights vulnerabilities in human memory, especially in high-stakes environments such as courts.