Magda Saraiva

Magda Saraiva is a researcher at the William James Center for Research (WJCR) within ISPA - University Institute of Lisbon, specializing in cognitive psychology with emphasis on social dimensions of memory processes. Her work bridges experimental and applied research in memory science.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Basic Psychology, University of Minho (2016)

Dr. Saraiva's research program investigates how social interactions shape memory formation and distortion, with particular focus on collaborative memory systems and false memory phenomena. She examines these processes across monolingual and bilingual populations, exploring linguistic and cultural factors in memory encoding and retrieval. Her experimental work reveals critical mechanisms through which group discussion generates both beneficial and detrimental memory outcomes, with implications for eyewitness testimony and educational practices.

Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications shows consistent investigation of misinformation transmission in social contexts, collaborative inhibition effects, and cross-linguistic memory processing. Her methodology integrates controlled laboratory experiments with real-world social interaction paradigms, demonstrating how memory accuracy is compromised or enhanced through interpersonal dynamics.

Scientific Awards:

• Recipient of 5 competitive awards (specific honors not detailed in source)

Dr. Saraiva has directed the supervision of 18 Master's students through dissertation completion and mentored over 10 academic research interns. She currently leads an international project funded by the "la Caixa" Foundation [LCF/PR/SR22/52570004] examining misinformation dynamics in social interactions. Her research program has been advanced through collaborations across multiple universities and research centers globally.

As an integrated member of WJCR's Social Cognition and Body Odors Team, she contributes to interdisciplinary investigations of human cognition through the lens of social and sensory influences on memory systems.