Just before an episode of a popular talk show, a fake crime was committed in which a man stole a woman's handbag and then ran off. The "crime" was staged right next to the line of people waiting to get into the show. One of the people in line was also part of the setup. As the bystanders begin talking about the robbery, he asked a few of them if they had noticed what was written on the robber's hat. The robber, however, had not worn a hat. Yet, when later questioned by "police," some of the witnesses reported that the robber was wearing a hat. Which flaw of memory best explains this fault?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suggestibility refers to the influence that outside factors can have on a person's memory, leading them to recall details that did not actually occur. In this case, the setup participant's suggestion of a hat on the robber led some of the witnesses to incorrectly remember seeing a hat.

Just Before an Episode of a Popular Talk Show, a Fake