factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony

What is eyewitness testimony?

Eyewitness testimony is when observers of events are asked to recall from memory details of what they have seen.

What did Bartlett (1932) say about memory?

Memories are not accurate ‘snapshots’ of events, but are ‘reconstructions’ of events that are influenced by attitudes and stereotypes (schemas).

What is reconstructive memory?

Reconstructive memory is memory that is not an accurate recording of events. It is reconstructed in recalling and may produce errors (confabulations).

What is misleading information?

Misleading information is incorrect information given to a witness after an event, which can distort memory.

What are leading questions?

Leading questions are questions that imply a particular answer, and can influence how a memory is recalled.

Why do leading questions affect memory?

This could be due to substitution bias (actual change in memory) or response bias (emotional pressure to give a particular answer).

How do schemas affect eyewitness testimony?

Memories may be altered when recalled to fit a person’s pre-existing biases (schemas).

What is post-event discussion?

Post-event discussion is when witnesses discuss events with others, which can alter memory.

What is memory conformity?

Memory conformity is when witnesses go along with others’ accounts for social approval, reducing accuracy.

How does anxiety affect eyewitness testimony?

Anxiety can affect the accuracy of recall, sometimes improving it and sometimes reducing it depending on the situation.