The use of a computer presented virtual licence plate and mental context reinstatement to improve recall accuracy of both licence plate and related event details

摘要

This study examines the use of mental context reinstatement (MCR) and a virtual licence plate (VLP) in licence plate recall. In Experiment 1, 104 participants viewed a videoed crime featuring a vehicle bearing an 'old-style' UK licence plate. Group 1 (control) recalled the video unaided by MCR or VLP. Group 2 used MCR, Group 3 used VLP, Group 4 used MCR + VLP. Compared with control, group 2 demonstrated a significant 38% increase in correct plate characters recalled, group 3 a non-significant 23% increase, and group 4 a significant 69% increase. Group 4 also demonstrated a significant 50% increase in correct information recalled regarding the crime. In Experiment 2, 48 participants viewed a videoed crime featuring a vehicle bearing a 'new-style' UK plate. Results replicated Experiment 1. The MCR + VLP group demonstrated a significant 124% increase in correct licence plate recall and a significant 52% increase in correct information recalled regarding the crime. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.