Eyewitness Accuracy: Can Conformity Negatively Influence Testimony Reliability?
Description
Many factors can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, such as improper questioning of witnesses (Wise, et al., 2007), contamination by conversing with other eyewitnesses (Mudd and Govern, 2004), and conformity to others witnesses’ responses (Bregman and McAllister, 1982).
Proper questioning of witnesses is a main component to decrease eyewitness error. Things to be considered when questioning are law enforcement agents’ authority, decreasing leading questions, time delay, and misinformation.
Past research on conformity has revolved around social influence. According to Cialdini & Goldstein (2003), accuracy is an important incentive for conformity. Research on sex differences show that females tend to conceal their competence more often and display compliance (Rosen & Aneshensenl, 1976).
This study seeks to further our understanding of the links between eyewitness testimony and conformity by examining whether exposure to other witnesses’ responses would affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
Eyewitness Accuracy: Can Conformity Negatively Influence Testimony Reliability?
Many factors can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, such as improper questioning of witnesses (Wise, et al., 2007), contamination by conversing with other eyewitnesses (Mudd and Govern, 2004), and conformity to others witnesses’ responses (Bregman and McAllister, 1982).
Proper questioning of witnesses is a main component to decrease eyewitness error. Things to be considered when questioning are law enforcement agents’ authority, decreasing leading questions, time delay, and misinformation.
Past research on conformity has revolved around social influence. According to Cialdini & Goldstein (2003), accuracy is an important incentive for conformity. Research on sex differences show that females tend to conceal their competence more often and display compliance (Rosen & Aneshensenl, 1976).
This study seeks to further our understanding of the links between eyewitness testimony and conformity by examining whether exposure to other witnesses’ responses would affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
