contemporary study

Question 1

contemporary study

Answer 1

valentine and mesout 2009

Question 2

aim

Answer 2

test hypothesis that high arousal can reduce an eyewitness’ ability to recall info and identify a perpetrator

Question 3

sample

Answer 3

56 ppts field exp

• 29F
• 27M

Question 4

procedure

Answer 4

visitors given reduction in ticker if they completed questionnaire after visit
* must wear HR monitor throughout visit

• actor dressed in dark robe and makeup to look pale with wounds and scars
• actor step out in front of ppts blocking them from passing
• all ppts went round dungeon the same way
• once tour was completed ppts debriefed and consent and R2W

Trait anxiety questionnaire - general emotions
State anxiety questionnaire - how they felt in dungeon
- FREE DESCRIPTION of scary person
- CUED RECALL asking about specific details
advised not to guess

• ppts shown 9 persons line up
• ppts told there may or may not be the person they saw in the line up (don’t feel inclined)
• ppts given chance to guess and rate confidence 0-100

Question 5

results

Answer 5

mean SA score = 49
mean TA score = 36.8

= ppts found dungeon an anxiety experience
only 17% of those who scored higher than median state anxiety (52) were able to identify
75% of those who scored lower were able to identify

Question 6

evaluation

Answer 6

• standardised procedure
• HR monitor objective and if data match Qs then good reliability
• ppts not representative as they like thrill