AP Psychology Practice Test

What does the misinformation effect involve?

1. Using a logical rule to solve problems

2. Incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event

3. The mental activities related to remembering and solving problems

4. Grouping similar events into categories based on prototypes

The correct answer is: Incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event

The misinformation effect refers to the phenomenon where a person's memory of an event becomes less accurate due to the introduction of misleading information after the event has taken place. When individuals are exposed to incorrect information, such as leading questions or suggestions that introduce false details, they may incorporate this misinformation into their recollections. This can lead to alterations of their original memories, affecting the reliability of eyewitness testimonies and other memory-related accounts. Research in cognitive psychology has extensively demonstrated how easily memories can be altered, highlighting the malleable nature of human memory. The other options encompass different concepts in psychology. Using a logical rule to solve problems relates more to problem-solving strategies rather than memory distortion. The mental activities involved in remembering and problem-solving describe cognitive processes without focusing specifically on the inaccuracies introduced through external information. Lastly, grouping similar events into categories based on prototypes pertains to cognitive categorization rather than the modification of specific memories through misleading information.