What outcome did the control group experience in Laney's Experiment 2 in relation to the event never occurring?

In Laney's Experiment 2, the control group served as a comparison to those who were subjected to the false memory manipulation regarding an event related to having a specific experience, such as tasting a food item that they hadn't actually had. The outcome regarding the control group indicated that a significant portion of participants—56%—reported that the event never occurred in their recollection. This suggests that when individuals are not exposed to misinformation or suggestions that imply a particular memory, a majority can accurately confirm that the event is not part of their actual experiences. This outcome highlights how susceptibility to false memories is influenced by the information participants are provided, while those in the control group who had no suggestion to create a false memory retained their authentic recall.

Understanding this aspect of the control group is crucial, as it provides insight into how memory works when left unaltered by external influences, thereby establishing a baseline for how effective the manipulation of memories can be in experimental conditions.