La’Toya M. Thompson |
Name: La’Toya M. Thompson
School: Tougaloo College Major: Psychology Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Boerger Expected Graduation Date: May 2010 Organizations & Honors:
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ABSTRACT
Are Fantasy Beliefs Based Upon False Memory?
| Belief in fantasy figures, such as the Tooth Fairy, is common in young children, but psychologists know little about why some children believe in these figures and others do not. Principe and Smith (2008) found that children who believed in the Tooth Fairy remembered more about a visit from her than non-believing children. However, the believers also remembered more things that had not really happened. This study tests whether children’s belief in a novel fantasy figure, the Candy Witch, is related to inaccuracies in their memories about her. Results show no difference in either length or accuracy of memories between believers or non-believers. |