These notes both go into detail and keep the information simple about eyewitness testimony with the inclusion of misleading information in the EWT. These notes were written in 2022.
-EWT: Misleading information:
-Post Event Discussion leads to memory conformity or memory contamination. 71% of witnesses in
the co-witness in the co-witness group recalled information they had not actually seen. Memory
conformity- believing what they said (ISI) or wanting to be helpful and fit in (NSI). Happens through
discussion of witnesses. Memory contamination: Actual changes occur and distort their memory.
Gabbert 2003- showed participants two different angles of a crime. Woman stole a wallet. Paired up
and asked to talk about the crime. Then interviewed separately and asked, “was she guilty?”. 60%
said the woman was guilty, even though they had not seen her commit a crime.
-Leading questions, the wording of police questioning changes peoples view of the event e.g., “He
looked angry, didn’t he?” “Did he look angry or upset?” Is a more subtle leading question. Loftus and
Palmer wondered whether the question actually changed their memory of the event (substitution
explanation) or whether it influenced their answer. University students (45) watched a video of a car
crash. Questionnaire asking about what they had seen. Critical question “how fast was the car going
when it _______ with the other car?”. When the word was contacted there was an average answer
of 31.8mph compared to the severest sounding answer which was smashed, gave an answer of
40.8mph. Wording seemed to influence the result. Response bias? Got the participants back and
asked if they saw broken glass. Those who had “smashed” said yes, “contacted” said no. Substitution
explanation, said they were not conforming, genuine distortion happened.
-Evaluation:
Good real-life application because it is useful for eyewitnesses, police and the courts.
However, both studies rely on artificial data, watching clips of a car accident/theft is not the
same as witnessing it in real life. May lead to demand characteristics.
Researchers found evidence of their own age bias. People are more likely to identify with
people their own age. Experiments such as Loftus and Palmer rely on students and use
younger actors.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sunnydays. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
