Memories Are not Documentaries: The Weakest Link in the Chain of UFO Evidence

Eyewitness reports of observations of UFOs are still the central argument in all discussions of a possible anomalous background to unexplained UFO sightings. Researchers often assign a very high level of relevance and reliability to statements from obviously credible eyewitnesses talking about their personal experiences. As a result, conclusions are drawn from their descriptions that are regarded as information on objective processes and properties of the observed phenomena and objects. This happens without taking into account the subjectivity of witness statements.
The following paper focuses on the susceptibility to error of witness statements and highlights the diverse physiological and, above all, psychological influences on the entire memory process which consists of perception, memory and recall. Perception and memory, which are largely based on the respective knowledge and experience, and thus its individuality and temporality, are emphasized. In addition, the way a witness interview is conducted also holds a potential for error with regard to the information obtained. The cognitive interview is then described as a tool for obtaining good-quality memories. Nevertheless, it is extremely problematic, if not impossible, to draw scientific conclusions about the UFO phenomenon from findings obtained purely by testimony. They require objectively verifiable data.