Although false memory formation is a well-documented phenomenon, the strength and rates of false memory formation vary across studies. Research indicates that the types of details provided in suggestions differentially influence memory formation, with some details enhancing and others impeding memories. This study explored the facilitation of false memories using doctored photographs, by manipulating the presence of salient familiar and unfamiliar details within photographs. Over three interviews, 82 participants viewed four photographs allegedly provided by parents. One was a doctored photograph depicting a hot-air balloon ride, in which the presence of salient self-relevant and unfamiliar details was varied. Participants rated the strength of their memory and associated memory characteristics for the events. Including self-relevant details without unfamiliar details resulted in the highest memory ratings and greater increases in memory characteristic ratings. Memories were weakest when both details were provided. The theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.

Studies have demonstrated that false memories can be implanted using narratives and photographs as suggestive media. We examined whether the influence of photos on false memory formation is influenced by the specificity of the photograph relative to the event being suggested. Participants completed a memory implantation procedure, in which a false event (hot air balloon ride) was suggested using a narrative alone or a narrative accompanied by a photograph of the participant and a parent as a child. The photograph was labeled as either having been taken during the event (event-specific photo), or as having been taken during the period that the event occurred (lifetime-period photo). False memory formation was highest when the suggestion was accompanied by the lifetime-period photo. Ratings of the strength of recollection were highest for the lifetime-period photo and lowest for the event-specific photo. The specificity of photographs used when suggesting false events moderates false memory formation.