What does the misinformation effect refer to?

The misinformation effect specifically refers to the tendency for a person's memory of an event to be altered by information they receive after the event has occurred. This phenomenon highlights how exposure to misleading cues or suggestions can distort a person's recollection, leading them to misremember or falsely recall details about the event. For instance, if someone witnesses a car accident and later encounters leading questions or misleading news reports, their memories of the event may become altered to align with that new information.

This concept is significant in psychology and legal contexts, particularly regarding eyewitness testimony, where memories can be unintentionally shaped by external influences. Understanding the misinformation effect emphasizes the malleability of human memory and underscores the importance of critical evaluation in assessing the reliability of recalled information.