| Abstract: | This study examines the use of mental context reinstatement (MCR) and a virtual licence plate (VLP) in licence plate recall. In Experiment 1, 104 participants viewed a videoed crime featuring a vehicle bearing an ‘old‐style’ UK licence plate. Group 1 (control) recalled the video unaided by MCR or VLP. Group 2 used MCR, Group 3 used VLP, Group 4 used MCR + VLP. Compared with control, group 2 demonstrated a significant 38% increase in correct plate characters recalled, group 3 a non‐significant 23% increase, and group 4 a significant 69% increase. Group 4 also demonstrated a significant 50% increase in correct information recalled regarding the crime. In Experiment 2, 48 participants viewed a videoed crime featuring a vehicle bearing a ‘new‐style’ UK plate. Results replicated Experiment 1. The MCR + VLP group demonstrated a significant 124% increase in correct licence plate recall and a significant 52% increase in correct information recalled regarding the crime. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
