EWT: Anxiety Flashcards
Negative effect of anxiety
It creates physiological arousal in the body which prevents us paying attention to important cues so recall is worse.
Who studied the negative effects of Anxiety on EWT
Johnson and Scott
Procedure of Johnson and Scott’s research
They led ppts to think they were going to take part in a lab study. While waiting they heard a argument in the other room.
Low Anxiety Condition:
Man walked through the waiting area carrying a pen and grease on his hands.
High anxiety Condition:
Other group heard the same heated argument but a man walked out with a paper knife that was covered in blood.
Findings of Johnson and Scott’s research
Ppts had to pick out a man from a set of 50 photos. From low anxiety condition 49% recognised the man carrying the pen correctly.
High anxiety only 33% recognised the man with blood covered knife.
Tunnel theory of memory
Witnesses attention narrows focus on a weapon because it is the source of anxiety. (weapon focus effect)
Anxiety has positive effect on recall
It triggers flight or flight response which increases our alertness and improves our memory for the event because we become more aware of cues in the situation
Who studied the positive effect of anxiety on EWT
Yuille and Cutshall
Procedure of Yuille and Cutshall
Conducted real life study in a gun shop in Canada. Shop owner shot thief dead. there were 21 witnesses- 13 agreed to take part in study. Interviews were held 4-5 months after the incident and were compared with the original report recorded by police. Accuracy was determined by number of details reported in each account. Witnesses were asked to rate how stressed they felt at the time.
Findings of Yuille and Cutshall
Witnesses were very accurate in their accounts and there was little change in the amount or accuracy after 5 months.
High level stress= 88% accurate
Low level stress= 75% accurate
Contradictory findings of Yuille and Cutshall’s research
Yerkes-Dodson law- Lower levels of anxiety= low recalls but as arousal increases the recall becomes more accurate. However there is an optimal level of anxiety where the accuracy is pin point. If they witness any more stress then the recall declines. So we need moderate anxiety
