Eyewitnesses are more likely to overestimate the speed of a car during a car crash when asked which question?
A) How fast were the cars going when they smashed?
B) How fast were the cars going when they collided?
C) How fast were the cars going when they hit?
D) How fast were the cars going when they bumped into each other?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The word "smashed" implies a higher speed and force than the other options, which could lead to an overestimation by the eyewitness. Research has shown that the language used in questioning can greatly influence an eyewitness's perception and memory of an event.

Eyewitnesses Are More Likely to Overestimate the Speed of a Car