Question

Larry witnessed a crime and to help him remember more details, he has agreed to undergo hypnosis. How is this likely to affect Larry's memory of the event?

A) Enhance memory recall
B) Erase memory
C) Induce false memories
D) Have no effect on memory

Answer 1

Hypnosis is intended to enhance memory recall, but there's a risk it might induce false memories, as shown by Elizabeth Loftus's research on the misinformation effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Larry witnessed a crime and to help him remember more details, he has agreed to undergo hypnosis. This is likely to affect Larry's memory recall by potentially inducing false memories. Cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Loftus's research indicates that hypnosis can sometimes lead to the creation of false memories, especially if leading questions are asked or suggestions are made during the process. The misinformation effect, a concept developed by Loftus, demonstrates how exposure to inaccurate information can alter a person's memory of an event. Therefore, while hypnosis might aim to enhance memory recall, there is a risk that it could introduce inaccuracies or completely new fabricated details into Larry's recollection.