Eyewitness Testimony and Memory

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Questions and Answers

Match the following terms related to memory distortion with their correct descriptions:

Misinformation Effect = Memory of an event is altered by misleading information encountered after the event. Source Monitoring Error = Misattributing the source of a memory, confusing where the memory originated. Weapon Focus Effect = Focusing on a weapon during a crime reduces recall of other details. Showup = Identification procedure with a higher risk of false identification due to suggestiveness.

Match the following conditions to whether eyewitness confidence is typically related or unrelated to identification accuracy:

Related = High quality viewing conditions Unrelated = Long delay between event and identification

Match each technique with its benefit for improving eyewitness accuracy:

Double-blind Lineups = Reduces unintentional bias from the administrator. Non-leading Instructions = Prevents suggestion that the suspect is definitely in the lineup. Cognitive Interviews = Reduces the likelihood of false memories. Sequential Lineups = Encourages absolute judgment rather than relative judgment.

Match each of the pristine conditions with its purpose in enhancing eyewitness identification accuracy:

One Suspect Per Lineup = Prevents relative judgments where the witness picks the 'closest' person. Suspect Doesn't Stand Out = Ensures the selection is based on memory, not appearance. Unbiased Instructions = Reduces pressure to make an identification. Double-Blind Procedure = Prevents unintentional cues from the administrator. Signup and view all the answers

Match the criteria from Manson v. Brathwaite with what they assess regarding eyewitness testimony:

Opportunity to View = Assess if eyewitness had clear vantage point to observe the suspect. Degree of Attention = Assess if the eyewitness had actively paid attention to the suspect's characteristics. Accuracy of Prior Description = Assess how well the initial description matches the suspect's actual appearance. Level of Certainty = Assess the eyewitness's confidence in the identification. Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of lineup with its characteristic:

Sequential Lineup = Witness views lineup members one at a time. Simultaneous Lineup = Witness views all lineup members at once. Double-blind Lineup = Administrator does not know who the suspect is. Showup = Involves presenting only one suspect to the witness. Signup and view all the answers

Match the variables with their known impact on eyewitness accuracy:

Stress = Can significantly impair memory encoding. Weapon Presence = Tends to narrow attention and impair memory for other details. Age = Young children and older adults are generally less accurate. Delay = Memory fades over time, reducing accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Match the feedback type with its potential effect on eyewitness certainty:

Confirming Feedback = Inflates confidence after the identification is made. Disconfirming Feedback = Decreases confidence in the identification. No Feedback = Preserves original level of certainty. Neutral Feedback = Has minimal impact on certainty. Signup and view all the answers

Match the memory process with its vulnerability to distortion:

Encoding = Affected by stress, lighting, and attention levels. Storage = Susceptible to post-event information and leading questions. Retrieval = Influenced by context, cues, and feedback. Reconstruction = Memories can be altered and distorted during recall through schemas and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Match each suggestion with its goal for improving eyewitness accuracy:

Use fillers who resemble the suspect = Prevent the suspect from unduly standing out. Warn that the offender may not be present = Reduce pressure to make an identification. Gather a detailed description before the lineup = Ensure the description is based on memory, not lineup exposure. Video record the lineup = Enhance transparency and accountability. Signup and view all the answers

Match each effect with its impact on eyewitness testimony:

Misinformation acceptance = Incorporate false details into one's memory from external sources. Source confusion = Inaccuracy about where a memory originated. Suggestive questioning impact = Altering memory trace, biasing response. Post-identification feedback = Influence witness confidence in identification accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following lineup characteristics to how they improve eyewitness testimony:

Double-Blind Administration = Eliminates biases from the lineup administrator. Appropriate Fillers = Ensures that the suspect does not stand out. Informing witness that suspect may not be present = Reduces pressure on witness to identify suspect. Sequential Presentation = Discourages relative judgments among lineup members. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following procedures with their effects on eyewitness memory and identification:

Cognitive Interview = Facilitates more complete and accurate recall. Hypnosis for Memory Retrieval = Can lead to the creation of false memories. Repeated Questioning = Can alter an eyewitness's memory. Unconscious Transference = Witness incorrectly identifies familiar person as suspect. Signup and view all the answers

Match the court admissibility criteria for eyewitness identification with their rationale:

Opportunity to View Offender = Ensures witness had reasonable exposure to the perpetrator. Attention Paid During Event = Highlights the focus level on memorizing details. Accuracy of Offender Description = Correlates recollection with real life image. Witness Confidence Level = Relates witness certainty to identification accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Match each component of the Manson criteria with how it evaluates eyewitness reliability:

Witness opportunity to view perpetrator = Evaluates the length and quality of the witness's view. Level of attention during the crime = Decides level of distraction or concentration of visual details. Correctness of the previous description = Compares with physical attributes of the suspect. Gap Time = Reflects memory loss or alteration. Signup and view all the answers

Match the lineup practices with their intended improvement in identification accuracy:

Inform witness that culprit may not be present = Avoid misleading conclusion suspect is in lineup. Provide unbiased instructions before proceeding = Keep witness devoid external influence. Record witness' confidence immediately after identification = Discourage influenced alterations. Lineup administration happens double-blind = Remove administrator’s unintentional biases. Signup and view all the answers

Match the effect to how it influences an eyewitness recall or identification:

Weapon Focus = Recall of weapon is increased, compromising surrounding details. Misinformation Effect = Incorrect particulars gets melded in one's memory. Source Monitoring = Memory’s origin gets mistaken or forgotten. Unconscious Transfer = Remembering a suspect by mistaking him or her to being offender. Signup and view all the answers

Match the interview methods to its aim in enhancing testimony quality:

Cognitive Interviewing = Recreating the circumstances of the crime for memory prompts. Structured Interviewing = Asking predetermined questions to facilitate clarity & details. Hypnotic Recall = Access deeper memories otherwise unreachable. Narrative Elucidation = Have witnesses detail their account without interruption. Signup and view all the answers

Match the description from factors that can impact eyewitness memory:

Witness age = Affects visual acuity and memory encode/recall competence. Race Identification = Cross-racial identification has been shown to be less accurate. Delay Period = Time fades recollections’ accuracy. Stress During Occurrences = Stress can impair attention and memory consolidation during crime. Signup and view all the answers

Match court room testimony considerations with purpose in eyewitness accounts evaluations:

Witness clarity level = Shows certainty they are proper in recall. Level descriptive quality in identifications = Offers concrete image of characteristics to evaluation of identification. Reliability in procedures adherence = Shows methods employed to improve recollection. Degree external influences absent = Reflects that memory wasn’t tainted by misleading material. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Misinformation Effect

Memory altered by misleading information after the fact.

Source Effect

Misattributing the source of a memory; remembering a fact but confusing its origin.