Psychology - Eye Witness Testimony: Misleading Information & Post Event Discussion - Anxiety

5 important questions on Psychology - Eye Witness Testimony: Misleading Information & Post Event Discussion - Anxiety

What did Deffenbacher et al (2004) find in their meta-analysis regarding eyewitness testimony (EWT)?

Deffenbacher et al (2004) found that high levels of anxiety negatively affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony (EWT). Their meta-analysis supports this conclusion.

How does the Yerkes-Dodson Law (1908) relate to anxiety and eyewitness testimony?

The Yerkes-Dodson Law (1908) suggests that moderate anxiety levels improve performance, but too much or too little anxiety decreases performance, affecting eyewitness testimony accuracy.

What is the "weapon focus effect" and how does it relate to eyewitness testimony?

The "weapon focus effect" occurs when witnesses focus on a weapon, impairing their ability to recall other details. This effect impacts the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in violent crimes.
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Describe the study by Johnson and Scott (1976) and its findings.

Johnson and Scott (1976) conducted a lab study where participants overheard a conversation. In one condition, a man emerged with a greasy pen; in another, with a bloody knife. Anxiety levels affected recall accuracy.

What did Yuille and Cutshall (1986) investigate and what were their findings?

Yuille and Cutshall (1986) investigated a real-life shooting in Vancouver. They found that witnesses' accounts were accurate even months later, suggesting anxiety might enhance memory in real situations.

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