Topic 5 - Memory and Eyewitnesses

Question 1

Cognitive Psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of internal mental processes and includes all of the things that go on inside your brain, including perception, thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and learning.

Question 2

sensory memory

Answer 2

refers to the very short duration for which sense-based information is held post-exposure

Question 3

short-term memory

Answer 3

refers to the limited amount of information (7 + or – 2 meaningful units) which can be stored without rehearsal for a short duration (approx. 30 seconds). Can be impacted through chunking

Question 4

long-term memory

Answer 4

refers to the almost unlimited amount of information which can be stored over a lifetime with rehearsal

Question 5

Recognition

Answer 5

is the ability to elicit stored material (i.e., a memory) through the use of a cue (e.g., multiple choice question) LINE-UP

Question 6

Recall

Answer 6

is the ability to elicit stored material (i.e., a memory) without externally providing any type of cue (e.g., short-answer question) DESCRIPTION

Question 7

System Variables

Answer 7

the factors impacting eyewitness reliability that the criminal justice system can (or should) control

Question 8

Estimator Variables

Answer 8

the factors impacting eyewitness reliability that the criminal justice system cannot control and therefore can only estimate the level of impact they have.

Question 9

Line up construction

Answer 9

Revolves around the issue of how we can “construct” the fairest line-up possible in order to ensure that an eyewitness is not biased by the process.

• Types of Line-ups (show-up, live, photo, computer simulation)
• Photo Line-Up & Computer Simulation Construction Process
• Order of Presentation:
  Ø Sequential – in which the photos are presented one at a time
  Ø Simultaneous – in which the photos are all presented at once

Question 10

line up instructions

Answer 10

Revolves around the issue of the specific elements that need to be included in instructions to witnesses in order to ensure that an eyewitness is not biased by the wording.
* Standardized – uniform set of instructions
* Potential Non-Inclusion - Indication that suspect may not be in the line-up

Question 11

Post-Line-Up Feedback:

Answer 11

Revolves around the issue of the specific elements that need to be included in instructions to eyewitnesses in order to ensure that they are not biased by the wording. This is especially important for subsequent trial testimony.
* Feedback should be standard and objective in order to not potentially bias subsequent identification of the suspect later in the process (e.g., during the trial), especially in terms of confidence perceptions
* Example: Step-wise Interview Protocol (adapted for child eyewitnesses)