The Impact of Likability on Memory Conformity for Images

Authors

Jenna M. Kieckhaefer, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Major/Program

Psychology

First Advisor's Name

Daniel Wright

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Stephen Charman

Third Advisor's Name

Nadja Schreiber Compo

Keywords

memory conformity, misinformation, likability

Date of Defense

5-19-2011

Abstract

The purpose of my research was to examine the impact of likability between two previously unacquainted individuals on memory conformity. One hundred and twenty seven undergraduate students were assigned to a likability condition (control, likable, or dislikable). After the likability manipulation the pair viewed pictures and were later tested on their memory for those pictures. The research confederate always answered first, so the participant’s responses could be based on a combination of their memory for the event and what the confederate reported.

Results indicated that participants were most likely to conform to the confederate’s responses when in the dislikable condition. Participants were most likely to answer accurately when in the likable condition. Although contrary to the previous research examining memory conformity among friends and romantic partners, these results are supported by the rapport-building literature in which creating a comfortable relationship between two strangers results in more accurate recall.

Identifier

FI11072510

Recommended Citation

Kieckhaefer, Jenna M., "The Impact of Likability on Memory Conformity for Images" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 426.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/426