The "misinformation effect" occurs when a person's memory of an event is altered by misleading information presented after the event. This can happen through leading questions, media reports, or discussions with others, which can introduce inaccuracies into a person's recollection. For example, if a witness to a crime is later exposed to incorrect details about the incident, their memory may change to incorporate that false information. This phenomenon highlights the fragility of human memory and the potential for errors in eyewitness testimony, which can have significant implications in legal contexts involving law enforcement and court cases.