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

Abstract

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 þVLP. 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 þVLP group demonstrated a significant 124% increase in correct licence plate recall and a significant 52% increase in correct information recalled regarding the crime.

Memory for license plates.

“…Two studies presented subjects with a series of slides depicting an actor who appears to load stolen goods into a car and then drive away (MacKinnon, O’Reilly, & Geiselman, 1990; Mende, MacKinnon, & Geiselman, 1987). These studies (see also Emmett, Clifford, Young, Kandova, & Potton, 2006) primarily focused on interview techniques that might enhance recall. Consequently, they did not manipulate many encoding factors.…”