In a Classic Study on Misinformation (Loftus, Et Al

question 134

Multiple Choice

In a classic study on misinformation (Loftus, et al., 1978) , participants first viewed a brief film of a car accident. Some participants were then asked how fast the cars were going when they 'hit' each other; other participants were then asked how fast the cars were going when they 'smashed' each other. Finally, all participants were asked if they saw broken glass in the film. What were the results of the study?

• A) The participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'smashed' each other remembered the cars as traveling faster than did participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'hit' each other. Both groups of participants were equally likely to remember broken glass in the film.
• B) The participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'smashed' each other remembered the cars as traveling faster than did participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'hit' each other. They were also more likely to remember seeing broken glass than were the participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'hit' each other.
• C) Both groups of participants were equally likely to remember broken glass in the film. In addition, the participant groups did not differ in their estimates of the speeds of the cars.
• D) The participant groups did not differ in their estimates of the speeds of the cars. However, the participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'smashed' each other remembered the cars as traveling faster than did participants who were asked how fast the cars were going when they 'hit' each other.

---

Definitions:

Behaviorists

Psychologists who focus on observable behaviors and the ways in which they're learned.

Introspection

The examination of one's own thoughts, feelings, and sensations as a method of psychological analysis.

Observable Behavior

Actions or reactions of an individual in various situations, which are visible and measurable.

Psychology

The science of behavior and mental processes.