Memory retrieval is thought to involve processes that activate relevant information and inhibit irrelevant information. Therefore, children who demonstrate impaired cognitive inhibitory processes may show greater susceptibility to false memories. To test this hypothesis, 149 children aged eight and ten were designated as inefficient or efficient inhibitors on the basis of Stroop interference. False memories were measured as the intrusion of critical non-presented lure words. Results indicate

more »

... ldren designated as inefficient inhibitors produce significantly higher rates of false memories than children designated as efficient inhibitors. Children designated as inefficient inhibitors were also more certain as to the veracity of their false memories. These findings support the claim that children who have difficulty inhibiting responses in the face of competing or distractor information are more susceptible to false memories.