factors affecting ewt reliability

Question 1

Post event information

Answer 1

Any info that arrives after an event that may distort memory- schemas occur as a result of reconstructive memory, recollection may be based on schema rather than event itself

Question 2

Leading questions

Answer 2

Can affect schemas- the phrasing of a question which can alter memory, such as describing the suspect in specific way or a weapon

Question 3

Influence of anxiety

Answer 3

Deffenbacher’s study review found moderate levels of anxiety were helpful to memory, but if eye-witness’ anxiety continued to rise, associated with decline in recall

Question 4

Weapon focus

Answer 4

Brains natural tendency to focus on weapon as it is the main source of stress. Therefore other details likely to be forgotten, such as appearance or clothing of perpetrator. Explained by tunnel theory- noticing weapon is selective attention, ignores other or competing information

Question 5

+

Answer 5

• LEADING QUESTIONS demonstrated in lab conditions L+P. ppts who heard ‘smashed’ estimated higher speed (40.8) than ppts who heard ‘collided’ (31.8) when asked about car speed.
• WEAPON FOCUS Johnson and Scott- Argument man with pen or knife. Pen condition- 49% identified man, knife- 33% identified man.
• APP to EWT. introduction of social framework evidence in legal cases. Useful in reducing miscarriages of justice.

Question 6

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Answer 6

• LEADING QUESTIONS, WF AND ANXIETY Y and CS experiment. real life shootings, researchers interviewed witnesses 5 months after event. High recall, despite deliberate inclusion of leading questions in second interview. Anxiety average more than 5 on 7 point scale.
• WEAPON FOCUS- Pickel found similar effect to J+S when man pulled out raw chicken or dough boy to pay at cashier. weapon focus or surprise?