A Cross‐Cultural Examination of False Beliefs and False Memories in Single Versus Repeated Events

ABSTRACT False memory research has evolved due to legal case implications, particularly, wrongful convictions based on distorted memories. Yet few studies have examined false memories of repeated events, especially outside Western samples. We investigated false memory formation in Western and Eastern (Indonesian) cultures using blind implantation, which misleads participants into believing they confirmed experiencing a fabricated event. Participants ( N = 184) reviewed 20 childhood events, including a fabricated one (altercation with torn clothing), indicating if they experienced each once or repeatedly. One week later, they were falsely reminded they had confirmed the event, followed by an imagination task and belief/recollection ratings. False beliefs declined (28.8%–24.5%; n = 53–45), while false memories increased after the imagination task (4.9%–6.5%; n = 9–12). Event frequency had no effect. Westerners were more prone to false beliefs, Indonesians to false memories, highlighting possible cultural influences on memory distortion.