Interrogative suggestibility: The effects of sleep deprivation and relationship with field dependence

Abstract

Abstract Suggestibility (yield) scores on the first Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale were found to correlate significantly with field dependence, as measured by the Finding Embedded Figures Test. Sleep‐deprived subjects, while scoring worse on story memory, reaction time, POMS vigour–energetic and POMS confusion than controls, did not show any increase in yielding to suggestive questions. Upon answering the questions again after negative feedback, however, sleep‐deprived subjects shifted their responses to questions significantly more than did controls. The results are interpreted in terms of sleep loss increasing the variability of performance.