Below is a series of videos that introduces "The Reliability of Memory." I introduce students to cognitive psychology through the theme of criminology.
The lesson begins by requiring students to listen to the first episode of the Serial podcast, which investigates the questionable methods used to determine the guilt of a teenager who was accused of murdering his girlfriend. The podcast is rife with examples where people rely on questionable memories.
Then, students will explore another real-life example where unreliable memories led to a guilty verdict.
Finally, students will begin to explore the cognitive factors that might cause the phenomenon of reconstructive memories.
Our next theme will be on criminal investigation.
We will build this theme around a podcast called “Serial.” Listen to the first ever episode of the podcast here. You may also find this podcast episode (Episode 01: The Alibi) wherever you normally get your podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
The website link (here) will also provide you with documents, such as transcripts, affidavits, etc. that will be helpful/essential for some of the questions below.
Answer the questions below after you have finished listening to the entire first episode of the podcast.
Who is Adnan Syed?
Who is Hae Min Lee?
Who is Jay? What significance does Jay have in this story?
Why is the Best Buy Parking Lot important to this story?
Who is Asia? What significance does Asia play in this story?
Why is Asia’s testimony so important to this case?
What ways of knowing are used by the people featured in this podcast episode? Also, how is each way of knowing used? Provide specific examples from the podcast.
Which ways of knowing are valued the most in this episode? Why do you think so? What are your thoughts on this?
Do you think Sarah Koenig (the investigative journalist who is leading us through this story) has been effectively investigating the trial of Adnan Syed? Why or why not?
Ultimately, who do you think killed Hae Min Lee? Why do you think so? Provide an in-depth answer to this question. I want to know what you think and why.