Tyler witnessed an automobile accident and heard one of the bystanders casually mention that the driver was probably intoxicated. Even though the driver had not been drinking, and had never crossed the centre line, Tyler tells the police officer who is investigating the accident that the car had been "weaving all over the road." What is illustrated by Tyler's faulty recall?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tyler's faulty recall is an example of the misinformation effect, where exposure to misleading information influences one's memory of an event. The bystander's comment about the driver being intoxicated may have planted the false memory of the car weaving all over the road in Tyler's mind.

Tyler Witnessed an Automobile Accident and Heard One of the Bystanders