Rate My Professor Helen Paterson

Her academic interests center on the application of social and cognitive psychology to forensic and legal settings. Key areas include eyewitness memory preservation, the influence of co-witness discussions on memory conformity, lie detection techniques, and the effects of traumatic experiences on memory recall, particularly in cases of domestic violence and gaslighting. Paterson's expertise has been recognized through her extensive publication record, with more than 2,582 citations on Google Scholar. Prominent publications encompass 'Co-witnesses, confederates, and conformity: Effects of discussion and delay on eyewitness memory' (Paterson, Kemp, & Forgas, 2009, Psychiatry, Psychology and Law), 'Can a witness report hearsay evidence unintentionally? The effects of discussion on eyewitness memory' (Paterson, Kemp, & McIntyre, 2006, Psychology, Crime & Law), 'The impact of recall timing on the preservation of eyewitness memory' (2022), 'Gaslighting and memory: the effects of partner-led challenges on eyewitness memory' (2025), and 'Illuminating Gaslighting: A Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Review' (2025, Darke, Paterson, et al.). Paterson has received notable honors, including being a finalist for the 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science for her research demonstrating how legal systems can better understand memory distortions in domestic violence survivors. She also earned a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Achievement. Her contributions extend to teaching forensic psychology units, delivering short courses, and influencing legal practices on witness testimony reliability.