Sensory processing sensitivity and its relation to susceptibility to misinformation

Abstract

Sensory processing sensitivity is a relatively new theoretical construct. Its main components include deeper processing of stimuli as well as a stronger response to environmental impacts, both positive and negative. The effect of misinformation, which involves the inclusion of misinformation in the witness's memory reports, can be modified by varied factors, including personality characteristics. To the knowledge of the authors, no such research has been conducted so far and thereby the aim of the following study was to examine the relationship between the sensory processing sensitivity and susceptibility to the misinformation effect. Group studies were carried out according to the three-stage scheme of investigating the misinformation effect. After the original material was presented, the participants were exposed to a post-event material, containing the misinformation in the experimental group. Then the memory of the original material was tested. A strong misinformation effect was shown. Highly sensitive people, achieving the highest results in the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, were more resistant to the misinformation effect.