Background
This project aims to explore how tDCS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can influence the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness memory. Eyewitness memory plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, often influencing the outcomes of legal cases. However, eyewitness testimony is known to be fallible and susceptible to various forms of bias and distortion. By investigating the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on eyewitness memory recall, this project aims to enhance our understanding of how memory can be accurately retrieved and potentially improved. This research could lead to the development of new methods to increase the reliability of eyewitness testimony, thereby reducing the risk of wrongful convictions and enhancing the overall fairness and accuracy of the judicial process.
Moreover, the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like tDCS holds promise for broader applications in cognitive enhancement and therapeutic interventions. Insights gained from this research could contribute to advancements in neuroscience and psychology, offering potential benefits for individuals with memory impairments due to aging, neurological conditions, or brain injuries.
Type of Research
Experimental research. It is expected that the student carries out the research on-site, in the lab using a tDCS device in the BMS lab.
This thesis is recommended to be coupled with an internship.
Interested?
Please contact Steven Watson (s.j.watson@utwente.nl) when you are interested in this assignment.
Literature
Haciahmet, C. C., Friehs, M. A., Frings, C., & Pastötter, B. (2024). Anodal tDCS of the left inferior parietal cortex enhances memory for correct information without affecting recall of misinformation. Memory, 32(10), 1371-1380.
Pergolizzi, D., & Chua, E. F. (2015). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the parietal cortex leads to increased false recognition. Neuropsychologia, 66, 88-98.
Owusu, B. A. K., & Burianová, H. (2020). Transcranial direct current stimulation improves novel word recall in healthy adults. Journal of Neurolinguistics, 53, 100862.
Boggio, P. S., Fregni, F., Valasek, C., Ellwood, S., Chi, R., Gallate, J., ... & Snyder, A. (2009). Temporal lobe cortical electrical stimulation during the encoding and retrieval phase reduces false memories. PloS one, 4(3), e4959.
Alonso, M. A., Díez-Álamo, A. M., Gómez-Ariza, C. J., Díez, E., & Fernandez, A. (2021). Transcranial direct current stimulation over the right anterior temporal lobe does not modulate false recognition. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 718118.
Friehs, M. A., Greene, C., & Pastötter, B. (2021). Transcranial direct current stimulation over the left anterior temporal lobe during memory retrieval differentially affects true and false recognition in the DRM task. European Journal of Neuroscience, 54(2), 4609-4620.