Which of the following statements about eyewitness testimony is correct?
Group of answer choices
Eyewitness testimony is always reliable.
Eyewitness testimony is reliable for events that do not involve crime.
Eyewitness testimony is vulnerable to the power of suggestion.
Eyewitness testimony is never reliable.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Eyewitness testimony is vulnerable to the power of suggestion.
Explanation:
Eyewitness testimony, though often persuasive in courtrooms, is not infallible. Research in psychology and cognitive science has demonstrated that human memory is malleable and susceptible to external influences. This means that the way questions are asked, the presence of misleading information, or even subtle cues can alter an eyewitness’s recollection of an event.
One landmark study by Elizabeth Loftus on the “misinformation effect” demonstrated how post-event information could distort memory. In one experiment, participants watched a video of a car accident and were later asked questions with varying wording, such as “How fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other?” versus “How fast were the cars going when they hit each other?” The use of the word “smashed” led participants to report higher speeds and even recall non-existent broken glass. This shows how memory can be influenced by suggestion.
Additionally, stress and emotions during a crime or traumatic event can impair the accuracy of memory. High-stress situations, such as witnessing a violent crime, may cause the brain to focus on certain details (like a weapon) while neglecting others (like the perpetrator’s face). This phenomenon, known as “weapon focus,” further diminishes the reliability of eyewitness accounts.
Cross-race identification is another area where eyewitness testimony is vulnerable. People often have greater difficulty accurately identifying individuals of a different race, a cognitive bias that has led to wrongful convictions.
Overall, while eyewitness testimony can provide valuable leads, it is not immune to error. It is crucial to corroborate eyewitness accounts with other forms of evidence, such as physical or forensic data, to ensure justice is served. Recognizing its vulnerability to suggestion is key to understanding its limitations and ensuring its appropriate use in legal settings.