The effect of the label “UFO� on memory for ambiguous pictorial stimuli

The scientific community frequently explains Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) as ambiguous but natural aerial phenomena that are misperceived by witnesses due to the influence of their expectations and beliefs, also termed their perceptual set. However, there has been very little research into the effect of a UFO-related perceptual set on recall of ambiguous pictorial stimuli. Forty undergraduate psychology students drew from memory ambiguous pictures recalled under four label conditions (UFO, aeroplane, ambiguous, and self-derived). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference among the label and control conditions on either measures of detail or the addition of features. This suggests that in a controlled environment, perceptual set does not affect accuracy of recall of previously witnessed ambiguous pictures. Relevance to actual sightings of UFOs is discussed.