The study of false memories has been favored by the DRM paradigm (Deese-Roediger-McDermott), where lists of associated words induce subjects to falsely remember items not previously presented. To demonstrate the efficacy of an alternative category of stimuli, we investigated the influence of emotion on false memories by means of sets of thematic, emotionally associated photos proceeding from the IAPS (International Affective Picture System). False memory levels were similar to those reported in studies with verbal stimuli or simple visual stimuli. Negative sets elicited higher levels of both true and false memories, in a comparison with positive sets. It is suggested that results typically observed in the DRM can be obtained by using sets of photos, which are more complex and ecological stimuli than words.
false memories; recognition; emotion; DRM; IAPS
