Influencing Public Policy on Eyewitnessing: Problems and Possibilities (From Psychology and Law: International Perspectives, P 265-274, 1992, Friedrich Losel, Doris Bender, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-148224)

• NCJ Number: 148243
• Author(s): G Davies
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Walter de Gruyter & Co
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Germany (Unified)

Annotation

This investigation found that no one ideal method exists for studying eyewitness behavior; rather, different methods have various strengths and weaknesses.

Abstract

Four major methodologies have emerged for the systematic study of eyewitness identification: incident, field, archival, and single case studies. Incident studies have limitations as representations of reality, and study findings may not always be extrapolated to the general population. Field studies may be used to ensure a more representative cross-section of the population. In archival studies, actual data from police files are examined and categorized in terms of variables of interest. Because archival studies lack data on the overall accuracy of eyewitness descriptions, case studies may be necessary to check witness statements. Only by pooling the results of different methodologies is a reliable psychology of the eyewitness likely to emerge. 49 references, 1 table, and 1 figure