Aghasyan, Satenik2024-07-062024-07-062012Aghasyan, S. (2012). False Memories in Social Settings as a Consequence of Categorical Thinking (SBS thesis, Haigazian University)https://doi.org/10.62811/th.0101https://haigrepository.haigazian.edu.lb/handle/123456789/328The present study examined the effects of stereotyping on creation of false memories in social settings. It examined how perceivers process (memorize and recall) expectancy consistent (stereotype congruent) and expectancy inconsistent (stereotype incongruent) information based on categorical thinking. Moreover, the study shed light on underlying phenomenological aspects of the participants' personal judgments of the recall of the items including forenames (Experiment 1) and faces (Experiment 2) paired with either mechanic or nurse occupations. The participants (Exp. 1 N=50, Exp. 2 N=30) were given a memorization task including expectancy consistent and inconsistent names (Exp. 1) and faces (Exp. 2) paired with mechanic or nurse occupations, after the recall task, participants were asked to give their personal judgment (remember, know or guess) about the recall. Results were computed, using paired samples and independent samples t tests. Obtained data showed that false and correct memories were stereotypically congruent in nature and that the participants were mostly guessing the answers due to the difficulty of the task relying on presence of stereotypy.False Memories in Social Settings as a Consequence of Categorical Thinking