Lecture Notes: The Case of Steve Titus and Memory Research

Introduction to the Case of Steve Titus

• Steve Titus: A restaurant manager from Seattle, WA, age 31.
• Engaged to Gretchen, a loving relationship.
• Wrongfully accused and convicted of rape due to a photo lineup error.
• The real rapist was found by a journalist, leading to Titus' release.
• Titus's life was destroyed: lost job, fiancée, savings.
• Filed a lawsuit against those responsible for his wrongful conviction.
• Titus died of a stress-related heart attack before the civil case could proceed.

Psychological Science and Memory Research

• Speaker is a psychological scientist focused on studying memory.
• Research focus: False memories, not memory loss.

False Memories and Wrongful Convictions

• Many wrongful convictions are based on false memories.
• In the U.S., 300 innocent people were wrongly convicted, mostly due to faulty eyewitness memory.
• Misconception: Memory is not like a recording device; it is constructive and reconstructive.

Studies on Memory Manipulation

• 1970s Experiments: Showed effects of leading questions on memory (e.g., 'smashed' vs. 'hit').
• Military Study: Stressful experiences produce similar memory errors.
• Misinformation can distort memories; real-world misinformation sources include media and other witnesses.

Extreme Memory Problems in Therapy

• Some therapy patients developed extreme false memories under certain psychotherapy techniques.
• Experiments demonstrated that suggestions could implant false memories (e.g., being lost in a mall).

Ethical Considerations and Societal Reactions

• Planting false memories is ethically questionable despite potential benefits.
• Speaker faced hostility and legal action for challenging certain psychotherapy practices.
• Societal debate on the ethics of memory manipulation.

Impact of False Memories on Behavior

• False memories can influence behaviors (e.g., food preferences).
• Ethical issues arise regarding the use of memory manipulation technology.

Concluding Thoughts

• Memory is fragile and fallible.
• Need for independent corroboration of memories to prevent wrongful convictions.
• Personal reflections on the importance of understanding memory's malleability.