Suggestibility

Suggestions from other people can influence our beliefs, perceptions and memories.

Memory is reconstructive rather than a perfect recording. When details are uncertain, information supplied by other people can become integrated into our later recollection. Memory errors are normal and do not automatically mean someone is dishonest.

• A leading question changes how a witness remembers the speed of a vehicle.
• Family members repeatedly describing an event influences how someone later remembers it.
• A strongly worded survey question changes how respondents evaluate an experience.

• Write your recollection independently.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• Record the source of later information.
• Treat confidence and accuracy as different things.
• Avoid repeatedly rehearsing unverified details.