Elizabeth Loftus

In this intriguing conversation, Kenneth Lanning, a retired FBI agent and skeptic of the Satanic Panic, shares his insights on the unfounded allegations that circulated during that era. Joining him is Elizabeth Loftus, a leading cognitive psychologist renowned for her groundbreaking work on memory distortion. Together, they discuss how false memories can be easily implanted and the profound implications for justice. Rebekah Sebastian helps guide the discussion, emphasizing the shift away from fearful narratives as the panic faded, revealing the complexities of memory and belief in society.

Elizabeth Loftus, a renowned psychologist, dives into the fascinating world of memory and its surprising fragility. She discusses how memories can be distorted and even fabricated, revealing the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Through compelling examples, including the influence of question phrasing on eyewitness testimonies, Loftus highlights the complexities of recalling past events. The conversation underscores the implications for both personal recollections and legal settings, urging listeners to rethink the reliability of their memories.

Elizabeth Loftus, a distinguished professor renowned for her groundbreaking research on memory malleability, joins Dan Simon for a fascinating discussion. They dive into the disturbing implications of how eyewitness testimony can be influenced by false memories, shedding light on high-profile legal cases. Loftus elaborates on the 'memory wars' and the delicate balance between memory errors and wrongful convictions. They explore the intersection of scientific understanding and societal pressures, ultimately advocating for improved legal practices in light of memory research.