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A Case of Mistaken Identity?

The Psychology of Eyewitness Memory

By Karen Chambers

A Case of Mistaken Identity?


 

Abstract

This case explores the fundamental principles of memory, eyewitness accuracy, and police questioning techniques in witness identification in a criminal case. By studying the details of an actual series of attacks and the subsequent police investigation, students learn that memory is a reconstructive process rather than an accurate recording of events. The case has been used in an undergraduate introductory psychology course and in a course on psychology and the law. It could also be used in a cognitive psychology course.

   

Date Posted

05/09/2001

Overview

Objectives

  • Demonstrate that memory is a reconstructive process rather than an accurate recording of events.

Keywords

Memory; eyewitness; witness identification; suggestive questioning; misattribution of source; lineup bias

  

Subject Headings

Forensic Science
Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Legal issues, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion

 

 

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