Memory - Factors effecting eyewitness testimony

Question 1

Eyewitness testimony

Answer 1

• The ability of people to remember details of an events such as accidents and crimes which themselves, have observed.

Question 2

Misleading information

Answer 2

• Incorrect information given to the eyewitness after the event.
• It can take many forms such as leading questions and post-event discussion between other witnesses.

Question 3

Post-event discussion

Answer 3

• Occurs when there are more than 1 witness at an event
• Witnesses discuss what they have seen with co-witnesses or with other people
• This may affect the accuracy of recall from other witnesses.12

Question 4

Anxiety

Answer 4

• Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness about a situation.
• Anxiety can benefit recall as it triggers the fight or flight response which improves alertness and makes us more aware of cues in the situation.
• Anxiety can affect recall negatively as the weapon focus effect may take place. This is where a witness will see a weapon involved in a crime and only focus on the weapon and put no attention on anything else. This affects recall.