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Eyewitness Evidence Essay

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Eyewitness Evidence Essay
Cognitive experimental research and theory has led to the development of new eyewitness procedures. Evaluate the impact that these developments have had in obtaining more accurate eyewitness evidence.

Eyewitness evidence is hugely influential in the conviction of those accused of crimes, however multiple factors can manipulate the recall of events witnessed and as such mistakes frequently occur. The techniques for gathering witness evidence have historically lacked a consistent procedural standard (Fisher, 1995), with huge variation in line-up procedure and witness interview techniques. Cognitive psychologists have influenced several avenues of gathering eyewitness evidence. Two will be discussed in this paper, the first is the work of Wells (2000), who researched and proposed changes to the line-up procedure eyewitnesses undergo to identify suspects. The second is the interviewing of eyewitnesses, the Cognitive Interview proposed by Fisher et al (1985) sought to increase the quantity and accuracy of memories recalled. This essay will evaluate these procedures, first by highlighted the flaws in existing techniques followed by the impact these changes have …show more content…
and Loftus, G.(2006) ‘Cognitive science and the law’ Trends in Cognitive Sciences. Vol.11 No.3

Christiansen, S. (1992) ‘Emotional Stress and Eyewitness Memory: A Critical Review’, Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 112, No. 2, pp 284-309
Fisher, R. (1995) ‘Interviewing victims and witnesses of crime’, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 732-764
Geiselman, R. & Fisher, R. (1985) ‘Eyewitness Memory Enhancement in the Police Interview: Cognitive Retrieval Mnemonics Versus Hypnosis’, Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol.70,No.2,pp.401-412

Loftus, E. Morgan III, C.A. Southwick, S. Steffian,G. & Hazlett, G..(2005) ‘Misinformation can influence memory for recently experienced, highly stressful events’, International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, Vol.36, No.1,pp
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