Culture and Conformity: The Effects of Independent and Interdependent Self-Construal on Witness Memory

Abstract

Research shows that co-witness discussion often leads to memory conformity, a similarity of reporting amongst witnesses, which can often bestow a false sense of accuracy. The aim of this study was to investigate how an individual's levels of independence and interdependence might affect susceptibility to memory conformity. Independence is characterised by separateness and internal capacity, whereas interdependence is characterised by relationships and adhering to other's expectations. Fifty-four participants viewed footage of a forensic autopsy and then discussed the details with a ‘co-witness’ (confederate). During the discussion, the confederate introduced both correct and incorrect items of post-event information. Participants were then asked to individually complete a free recall questionnaire relating to the video. Levels of independence and interdependence were measured by a modified version of the Self-Construal Scale. As hypothesised, results indicated that higher independence was associated with less memory conformity for misinformation. No significant relationship was found between memory conformity and interdependence.

Key words:

• culture
• eyewitness memory
• independence
• memory conformity
• self-construal

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant (LP0989719).