Eryn Newman’s research and training are in memory and cognition. She completed her PhD at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, before spending three years (2012–2015) at the University of California, Irvine as a Fulbright Scholar and Research Fellow. During this time, Eryn examined human memory and the communication of forensic science, with a particular focus on how jurors make decisions.

From 2015–2017, Eryn trained as a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Southern California, where she studied social‑cognitive perspectives on how people assess truth and memory.

From 2018 to February 2026, Eryn was an Associate Professor in the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology. She is currently a Professor in the School of Psychological and Social Sciences at the University of Waikato.

Truthiness and Mistakes in Memory and Belief

Did I lock the door when I left the house? Do I believe that news headline that just appeared on my phone? We are regularly making decisions about what is real and what is not. In my research I examine the cognitive mechanisms that contribute to memory and belief and the ways these processes can go awry. I am especially interested in how people come to believe and remember things are true, even when they are not. And in particular, how people can succumb to truthiness—using feelings and pseudoevidence to decide what is real, instead of drawing on facts.

These judgements about what is real and what is not are all made in context, when we have different goals and information on the mind. In my research I also examine the role of context in assessments of truth, memory and broader judgements about people and evidence.

Combining approaches from social and cognitive psychology I try to understand the role of evidence, feelings and context in correcting misinformation, enhancing science communication and understanding bias in judgements within criminal justice contexts.

See discussion on: Seeing is believing: How media mythbusting can actually make false beliefs stronger

See webinar on: The impact of information (and misinformation) on mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic