Eyewiness Testimony

Question 1

Anxiety definition?

Answer 1

Unpleasant, emotional state, when we fear that something bad is a going to happen.

Question 2

What is anxiety normally paired with?

Answer 2

Arousal

E.G. (pounding heart/rapid breathing)

Question 3

What did Johnson and Scott (1976) research/aim

Answer 3

The impact of anxiety on the accuracy of an eye witness testimony

(Is it negative or positive)

Question 4

(Johnson and Scott)
Procedure?

Answer 4

Participants heard two different discussions in neighbouring rooms

Room 1)Normal discussion

A man emerged with greasy hands

Room 2).Heated discussion

Man emerged with a paper knife covered in blood

Question 5

(Johnson and Scott)

Findings?

Answer 5

Participants were asked to identify the man from 50 photos:

Room 1) 49% accurate (normal room)

Room 2) 33% accurate (Heated room)

Question 6

(Johnson and Scott)

Conclusion?

Answer 6

The presence of Anxiety reduces accuracy of eyewitness testimony.

(More anxious = less likely to be able to identify perpetrator)

Question 7

(Johnson and Scott)

Overall Conclusion on effect of anxiety on an eyewitnesses testimony

Answer 7

Negative effect.