Accuracy of eyewitness testimony: Misleading information Flashcards
What is Eyewitness Testimony (EWT)
Evidence given in court by a witness who has seen a crime take place.
What is Eyewitness Testimony (EWT) used to do?
Used to identify perpetrators.
What can Eyewitness Testimony (EWT) be affected by?
Can be affected by various factors, including misleading information.
3 Factors for why EWT might be inaccurate?
Misleading information (leading questions & post-event discussion).
Anxiety (covered separately).
Memory distortions due to external influences.
What are Leading Questions?
A question that suggests a certain answer.
What are examples of Leading Questions?
Example: “How fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other?”
How can Leading Questions influence memory recall?
Can influence memory recall.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 1
> Aim
Aim: Investigate effect of wording on speed estimates in car accidents.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 1
> Procedure
45 students watched videos of car accidents.
Asked: “How fast were the cars going when they ___ each other?”
Verbs used: smashed, collided, bumped, hit, contacted.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 1
> “Smashed” Findings
“Smashed” = highest speed estimate (40.8 mph).
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 1
> “Contacted” Findings
“Contacted” = lowest speed estimate (31.8 mph).
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 1
> How did leading questions affect the wording on speeding estimates in car accidents?
Leading questions influence recall.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Aim
Aim: Investigate if leading questions alter memory.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Procedure, what did they watch?
Participants watched a car accident.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Procedure, What were they initially asked?
Asked about speed using “smashed” or “hit”.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Procedure, What were they asked one week later?
One week later: Asked if they saw broken glass (there was none).
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Findings, “Smashed” condition
16 participants in “smashed” condition reported seeing broken glass.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Findings, “Hit” Condition
Only 7 in “hit” condition reported seeing broken glass.
Key Study: Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Experiment 2
> Conclusion, What could leading questions do?
Leading questions can change actual memory.
Post-Event Discussion (PED) Definition
Definition: When witnesses discuss an event, their memories can be contaminated.
Post-Event Discussion (PED) Example
Example: Two people see the same crime but different details—after discussion, their accounts merge.
Key Study: Gabbert et al. (2003)
> Procedure of Pairs
Pairs watched different videos of the same crime.
Some discussed before recalling.
Key Study: Gabbert et al. (2003)
> Findings of 71%
71% recalled details they didn’t actually see.
Key Study: Gabbert et al. (2003)
> Conclusions of conformity effect
Supports conformity effect—witnesses align memories.
Repeat Interviewing & Memory Distortion Risks
Each interview increases the risk of altered memory.
Repeat Interviewing & Memory Distortion
> Children, Larooy et al. 2005
Children are especially vulnerable (LaRooy et al., 2005).
Real-Life Example: Oklahoma Bombing
> What did first witness recall seeing
First witness incorrectly recalled seeing an accomplice.
Real-Life Example: Oklahoma Bombing
> Effects of first witness false recall
Later, other witnesses also “remembered” this person.
Shows the real-life conformity effect.
Evaluation: Supporting Evidence
Braun et al. (2002) - Disneyland Study:
Participants were given misleading info about meeting Bugs Bunny or Ariel at Disneyland.
Many falsely remembered meeting them, despite neither being possible.
Shows how misinformation can create false memories.
Evaluation: Limitations of Loftus’ Research
> Artificial tasks
Watching videos ≠ real-life crime (lacks emotional impact).
Evaluation: Limitations of Loftus’ Research
> Foster et al. (1994), participant belief
If participants believe their recall will influence a real case, accuracy increases.
Real-World Applications
Used to improve police questioning techniques.
Real-World Applications
Wells & Olson, (2003), Innocence Project:
72% of wrongful convictions overturned by DNA were based on faulty EWT (Wells & Olson, 2003).
