Making Difficult Science Fun: An Interview with Professor Elizabeth F. Loftus

Abstract

In 1983, students at the University of Houston, Texas, were asked to list the names of eminent scientists they would like to have as guest lecturers at the University. They overwhelmingly chose Elizabeth F. Loftus; in second place was B. F. Skinner (Neimark, 1996). In July 1998, before an audience of close to 100 graduating psychology students, more than 150 police studies students and hundreds of guests, Elizabeth (Beth) Loftus was awarded by the University of Portsmouth the degree of Doctor of Science, in honoris causa. Her presence in Portsmouth to receive the honour provided the opportunity to ask her about significant events in her life and examine the underpinnings of her intellectual commitment to research into human memory, eyewitness testimony and courtroom procedure.