A Case of Mistaken Memory?
The Psychology of Eyewitness Memory
Author(s)
Department of Psychology & Communicative Disorders
Saint Mary’s College
kchambers@saintmarys.edu
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.
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 biasEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType Methods
DiscussionLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Psychology | Forensic Science |
Date Posted
05/09/01Teaching Notes
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