Origins & Early Life

Elizabeth F. Loftus (born 1944) is an American psychologist who is best known in relation to the misinformation effect, false memory and criticism of recovered memory therapies. Loftus's research includes the effects of phrasing on the perceptions of automobile crashes, the "lost in the mall" technique and the manipulation of food preferences through the use of false memories. In the Jane Doe case that began in 1997, Loftus and Melvin J.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Guyer revealed serious concerns about the background and validity of the initial research. She has also served on the executive council of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and was a keynote speaker at the British Psychological Society's 2011 annual conference. As well as her scientific work, Loftus has provided expert testimony or consultation for lawyers in over 300 court cases, including for the legal teams of Ghislaine Maxwell, Harvey Weinstein, Ted Bundy, O. J. Simpson, Angelo Buono and Robert Durst.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She has also written many books, including The Myth of Repressed Memory: False Memories & Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Witness for the Defense. Born Elizabeth Fishman on October 16, 1944, Loftus grew up in a Jewish...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aimee Semple McPherson — Contemporary (Died in 1944) (1944): Pioneering Pentecostal evangelist, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.
• Alan Parker — Contemporary (Born in 1944) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Alexis Carrel — Contemporary (Died in 1944) (1944): Pioneering French surgeon and biologist known for vascular suturing and early transplantology.
• Ahmad Shah Durrani — Shared historical date (10-16 · Died) (1772): Founder of the Durrani Empire and modern Afghanistan's first ruler.
• Albrecht von Haller — Shared historical date (10-16 · Born) (1708): Swiss polymath, father of modern physiology, renowned anatomist and naturalist.
• Ali Sayad Shirazi — Historical peer (Born in 1944) (1944): Key Iranian military commander during the Iran–Iraq War, assassinated in 1999.
• Alice Walker — Historical peer (Born in 1944) (1944): Pioneering voice in American literature, activist for civil rights and womanism.
• Aldo Rossi — Historical peer (Died in 1997) (1997): Pioneering Italian architect, theorist, and proponent of Postmodernism.
• Allen Ginsberg — Historical peer (Died in 1997) (1997): Pioneering American poet, central figure of the Beat Generation, known for 'Howl'.
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• 1944 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1944
• October 16 (10-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 16