Study Reveals Influence of Suggestion on Eyewitness Testimony

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Krissy Wilson and Christopher C. French, the effects of suggestion, social influence, and paranormal belief on eyewitness testimony for an ostensibly paranormal event were explored through the lens of magic performance psychology. The research, conducted at the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, delved into the intricate interplay between these factors to unravel the mysteries surrounding memory and perception in the context of supernatural experiences.

The study utilized a video clip featuring a fake psychic purportedly using psychokinetic powers to bend a metal key. Participants were exposed to varying conditions, including the presence or absence of verbal suggestions from the fake psychic and different types of social influence from co-witnesses. The results revealed that participants who heard the verbal suggestion were more likely to report that the key continued to bend, showcasing the power of suggestion in shaping memory recall.

Furthermore, the study demonstrated the significant impact of social influence on eyewitness testimony. Participants influenced by a positive social influence, where a co-witness affirmed the key’s continued bending, were more inclined to report the same, compared to those exposed to a negative social influence or no social influence. Believers in the paranormal exhibited a higher tendency to report the key’s continued bending than non-believers, shedding light on the role of pre-existing beliefs in shaping perceptions and memories of anomalous events.

The findings not only underscored the susceptibility of human memory to suggestion and social influence but also highlighted the complex relationship between paranormal belief, suggestibility, and memory distortion. The study’s implications extend beyond the realm of psychology, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying eyewitness testimony and the impact of belief systems on perception. The research represents a significant contribution to the field of magic performance psychology, bridging the gap between the art of conjuring and scientific inquiry to unravel the mysteries of human cognition and memory.