Post-event information affects children's autobiographical memory after one year

Law Hum Behav. 2009 Aug;33(4):344-55. doi: 10.1007/s10979-008-9147-7. Epub 2008 Aug 5.

Abstract

In two experiments, we examined whether post-event information (PEI) about true and false events persisted in children's reports after approximately 1 year. In Experiment 1, 4- to 6-year-olds were given PEI and then were given memory tests 2 weeks and 15 months later. Although PEI appeared in free recall at the initial testing, it decreased substantially by the long-term test. In contrast, on recognition tasks the children showed facilitation and misinformation effects at initial and follow-up tests. Experiment 2 replicated lasting misinformation and facilitation effects in recognition memory among 4- to 9-year-olds who were tested after 1-week and 10-month delays. We conclude that true and false reminders about an experienced event continue to affect children's memory approximately 1 year later.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Quebec
  • Suggestion*
  • Time Factors