The Myths and the Memories: Perceptions of Traumatic Memory and Victim Credibility

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that the quality and characteristics of memories of traumatic victimization can play a major role in how sexual violence allegations are treated in the criminal justice system. Research also confirms that singular versus repeated trauma is retained differently in memory. However, little is known about how assumptions about traumatic memory retention impact decision-making in criminal justice contexts. The present study was designed to evaluate perceptions of traumatic memories of intimate partner violence (IPV), and how memory characteristics for singular versus repeated incidents are associated with victim credibility. This study will also compare expectations about memory held by those with and without criminal justice backgrounds/specialized knowledge. Participants will read a vignette that depicts a victim’s disclosure of sexual violence to police that occurred once, a few times, or many times (5+). The victim’s memory will be described as complete (specific/detailed) or incomplete (vague/fragmented). Participants will complete measures of memory and IPV myth endorsement, as well as ratings of victim credibility, allegation veracity, judgment confidence, and recommended criminal justice responses. We anticipate that laypersons (i.e., those with no specialized knowledge) will be more likely to assign greater credibility to victim memories that are vague and fragmented, in accordance with popular beliefs about memory. Those with some specialized training should be more likely to hold opposing beliefs that associate memory specificity with credibility. This study has important implications for how victim memory is viewed by criminal justice professionals and how their perceptions inform their beliefs and actions.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kristine Peace