Factors affecting the accuracy of Eyewitness testimony - Misleading Information Flashcards
What is eyewitness testimony?
The information recalled about a crime by an eyewitness
How can the accuracy of an account be reduced?
Through the influence of incorrect information in the form of leading questions and post-event discussion
Who investigated the effects of leading questions in. the accuracy of EWT?
Loftus and Palmer in 1974
What did Loftus and Palmer do?
participants watched a film clip of a car crash and gave a speed estimate of the car based on the question ‘About how fast were the cars going when they x into each other?’. every group was given a different. verb.
What were the results of those who were told smashed?
They gave an 8.7mph greater than. those who heard. contacted, showing. that leading. questions suggests there’s a correct answer
How can the effects of leading questions be explained?
they use the idea of response bias, whereas Loftus and Palmer’s study supports the substitution explanation as those who’d heard smashed were more likely to report having seen broken glass 2 weeks later which there wasn’t compared to those who heard contacted
What is substitution explanation?
leading questions change the eyewitness’ memory of the crime
