Arce R, Selaya A, Sanmarco J, Fariña F. Implanting rich autobiographical false memories: Meta-analysis for forensic practice and judicial judgment making.
Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023;
23:100386. [PMID:
37113566 PMCID:
PMC10126919 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100386]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective
The implanting of rich autobiographical false memories is crucial for judicial decision-making, and the forensic evaluation of a testimony. In order to assess this issue, a meta-analytical review of the probability of implanting rich autobiographical false memories was performed.
Method
A total of 30 primary studies analysing the probability of implanting rich autobiographical false memories were retrieved. Random-effects meta-analyses correcting the effect size for sampling error were performed.
Results
The results revealed a significant, positive, generalizable (the lower limit for the 80% credibility value was d = 1.13), and more than large mean effect size (d = 1.43[1.33, 1.53]) for the implanting of false memory. The moderating effects of stimulus type showed that the effect of the probability of implanted false memory was significantly higher in experienced events (d = 2.03[1.63, 2.43]) than in false narratives (d = 1.35[1.23, 1.47]), and in doctored photographs (d = 1.29[1.06, 1.52]). A similar effect for memory implantation was observed in both the underage (d = 1.44[1.29, 1.59]), and in adults (d = 1.36[1.22, 1.50]). The moderator techniques for implanting false memories revealed a significantly lower probability of implanting false rich memory with non-directive instructions (d = 0.90[0.53, 1.27]) than with guided imagery (d = 1.45[1.32, 1.58]), or with pressure to answer (d = 1.56[1.17, 1.95]) instructions. The event emotional valence moderator exhibited the same effect for positive (d = 1.27[1.09, 1.45]) and negative valence events (d = 1.30[1.17, 1.43]).
Conclusions
The implications of the results for forensic testimony evaluation, police interrogations, and judicial cross-examination are discussed.
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