The misinformation effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person’s memory of an event is altered by information that is exposed to after the event has occurred. This can lead to the creation of false memories and is particularly concerning in the context of eyewitness testimony, where accuracy is of utmost importance. In the case of Jennifer Thompson, the misinformation effect played a crucial role. Thompson, who had experienced a traumatic event, was later exposed to suggestive identification procedures by the police. Her confidence in identifying Ronald Cotton as her assailant was unwavering, and her testimony became a key factor in his conviction. However, the reliability of Thompson’s memory came into question when Cotton was exonerated
