Memory and Perception
What type of memory process explains why eyewitness memory is reconstructive rather than a perfect recording?
Encoding → storage → retrieval.
What instruction must be given to witnesses to reduce pressure to choose someone?
“The suspect may or may not be present.”
Lighting conditions are an example of what type of variable?
Estimator variable.
Does high confidence always mean a witness is accurate?
No, confidence and accuracy are weakly correlated.
What organization is known for overturning wrongful convictions?
The Innocence Project.
What phenomenon causes witnesses to focus on a weapon instead of the perpetrator’s face?
Weapon focus.
What is the purpose of blind or blinded lineup administration?
Prevent administrator influence.
Lineup instructions are an example of what type of variable?
System variable.
What effect inflates a witness’s confidence after identification?
Post‑identification feedback effect.
What percentage of DNA exonerations involve eyewitness misidentification?
Roughly 70%
What estimator variable explains why cross-race identifications are less accurate?
Cross-race effect.
Why must fillers match the witness’s description of the perpetrator?
To prevent lineup bias.
Why can system variables be controlled?
They depend on police procedures.
Why must confidence be recorded immediately after an ID?
Later confidence is contaminated by outside influences.
Name one famous case where eyewitness error led to a wrongful conviction.
Ronald Cotton.
High stress generally has what effect on eyewitness accuracy?
It decreases accuracy.
What must be recorded immediately after an identification?
The witness’s confidence statement.
Why can estimator variables not be controlled?
They occur naturally during the crime.
What term describes confidence that increases due to repeated questioning?
Confidence inflation.
What is one consequence of misidentification for the actual perpetrator?
They remain free and may commit more crimes.
What type of memory error occurs when repeated exposure creates false familiarity?
Source confusion.
What is the post-identification feedback effect?
Feedback inflates witness confidence and perceived accuracy.
Which type of variable is most relevant for reform efforts?
System variables.
What is the strongest predictor of initial eyewitness accuracy?
High confidence at the moment of identification.
What reform has been adopted in many states to reduce misidentification?
Blind lineup administration.