It is the phenomenon known as false memory or created memory. Our memory does not work like a VCR or digital recorder, rather it can be easily influenced, after the fact, by new information that seems like it should fit the scenario we are trying to remember (King L.A., 227). However, this does not mean the witness is lying, conversely, they are saying what they absolutely believe to be the truth. This is possible due to our memory’s ability to be edited and changed by misinformation. For instance, in a study, people were shown pictures that had been photo-shopped of themselves in a hot air balloon as children. Coincidentally, these people had never been in a hot air balloon in their entire lives. However, when asked to describe the day and their ride in the balloon, they were able to do so in great detail, many with a complete narrative of the day, which had never happened (T. Hanson, Lecture 8/31). …show more content…
Cotton was subsequently exonerated by DNA evidence 22 years later. Mr. Cotton was convicted primarily on the eyewitness testimony of Jennifer Thompson the victim. Ms. Thompson had done everything she could think of to memorize every detail of her attacker during the rape. However, she still picked the wrong person out of a photo lineup, and later out of a physical lineup. This was partially due to the investigating officer’s suggestion that the person who attacked her was in one of the photos, and her brain's natural inclination to try to pick the best answer (Eyewitness). Coincidentally, errors of this sort have led to changes in how investigators ask questions and more importantly, that they never supply any information to help the witness remember, or lead them in any