The Truth Effect and Divided Attention by Picture Memorization

Authors

• Aedan D. Erickson
• Caitlin G. Tjeerdsma
• Jacob D. Ostergard

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-16-2025

Faculty Sponsor

Luralyn Helming

Department

Psychology

Keywords

truth effect, secondary task, divided attention, processing fluency, validity

Abstract

The truth effect examines an individual’s likelihood to believe new information with repeated exposure. This study analyzed the effects of a secondary memorization-distraction task on the truth effect and whether familiarity with the subject matter increases the impact of the truth effect. We recruited 95 undergraduate, college students to view a slideshow containing four trivia statements under conditions of repeated or single exposure and assignment or no assignment of a secondary memorization-distraction task. The results showed no effect of a secondary memorization-distraction task on the truth effect and no relationship between repeated exposure and validity scores. Participants’ familiarity of subject matter had a positive correlation with validity scores.

Comments

PSYC 366 Research Project

Recommended Citation

Erickson, A. D., Tjeerdsma, C. G., & Ostergard, J. D. (2025). The Truth Effect and Divided Attention by Picture Memorization. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.dordt.edu/student_work/99