Improving the reliability of eyewitness identification: lineup construction and presentation

Article Abstract:

The effects of system variables associated with lineup construction and presentation were examined in two experiments. In both experiments, subjects (university undergraduates) watched a videotaped reenactment of an armed robbery and later attempted to identify the robber from a lineup parade. In Experiment 1, lineup cues (e.g., voice, posture, and gait) and presentation mode (simultaneous vs. sequential) interacted (p < .05) such that both improved the accuracy of lineup judgments, but their effects were not additive. In both Experiments 1 and 2, sequential presentation reduced the number of false identifications (p < .05, for both). A combined probability analysis indicated that across the three experiments in which presentation mode was examined, the Presentation Mode X Presence of the Target in the Lineup interaction was significant (p < .01), indicating that the beneficial effect of sequential presentation on false identifications was not offset by an equivalent loss in correct identifications. The manner in which these system variables could improve current police procedures is discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Identification and classification, Criminals, Examination of witnesses, Witness examination

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Improving the reliability of eyewitness identification: putting context into context

Article Abstract:

We examined the effects of context reinstatement procedures on eyewitness identification accuracy. Subjects were 290 undergraduates who viewed a videotaped reenactment of a liquor store robbery and, in a later session, attempted to identify the robber from a lineup parade. Two types of context reinstatement procedures were examined together with eight encoding, storage, and retrieval variables manipulated within the stimulus videotape and the lineup procedures. Disguise of the robber impaired identification accuracy (p < .05). There was a significant interaction between disguise and the context reinstatement interview (p < .01) such that the context reinstatement interview has a stronger impact on identification accuracy in the high-disguise condition. Lineup cues interacted with lineup composition (p < .05), retention interval (p = .01), and exposure to mug shots (p = .05; although in a manner contrary to our expectation). These interactions indicated that lineup context cues improved identification accuracy in the high-similarity, 2-week retention interval, and no mug-shots conditions. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Psychological aspects, Analysis, Psychology, Applied, Applied psychology, Confidence intervals

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Forensically relevant moderators of the relations between eyewitness identification accuracy and confidence

Article Abstract:

Meta-analyses of 9 studies were conducted that all assess the association between pre-lineup confidence and identification accuracy; the association between post-lineup confidence produces a stronger correlation with identification accuracy than does pre-lineup confidence. In 5 of these studies the difference between correlations is statistically significant. Furthermore, correlations between pre-lineup confidence and accuracy were trivial in magnitude, ranging from .00 to .20. The conclusion is drawn that a witness's confidence in his or her ability to make an identification should not be given much weight in determining whether or not to have the witness attempt an identification. Also, pre-lineup confidence should not be used to evaluate the accuracy of an identification. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Evidence (Law), Psychology, Forensic, Forensic psychology

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