why witnesses fail Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the goal of a criminal trial?
To reconstruct past events and determine what happened.
What types of evidence are used?
Physical (fingerprints, blood) and eyewitness testimony.
Is eyewitness evidence reliable?
It can be contaminated or inaccurate like trace evidence, but is often treated as more reliable.
How does post-event information affect memory?
Memory is shaped by both original and later information.
Can false images create false memories?
Yes—50% of people in one study recalled a fake hot air balloon ride from a doctored photo.
Can false evidence lead to false accusations?
es—lab studies show people may falsely accuse others when exposed to fake evidence.
Is fake evidence used in real life?
In some US states, police can legally use fabricated evidence during interrogations.
Why is eyewitness evidence powerful?
It’s direct and often heavily influences juries—even though it’s prone to error.
What factors affect eyewitness accuracy?
Witness gender, intelligence, personality, alcohol use, disguise of the perpetrator, stress, viewing conditions, and weapon presence.
How do witnesses identify suspects?
Often using relative judgment—picking the person who looks most like their memory of the perpetrator.
Why is foil selection important in lineups?
To prevent one person (the suspect) from standing out.
Is image manipulation used in lineups?
Yes—30-40% in the UK and 70% of US officers report using digital editing to standardize suspect appearance.
How are lineups tested in research?
Witnesses rate how much each person matches their memory—often under time constraints.
