NCJ Number
102925
Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 311-318
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined recall differences among male and female eyewitnesses, using 379 statements related to 135 actual assaults in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1982.
Abstract
Data from the eyewitness statements were analyzed using an unequal cells analysis of variance. Despite no overall sex difference related to the length of witness' statements, the report of particular kinds of information was significantly influenced by a witness' sex. Female witnesses reported significantly fewer details about the accused but significantly more details about themselves and the victim than did male witnesses. Witness' statements also varied by sex according to the violence level of the incident. Although there was no evidence of a sex difference for information on the accused in incidents where no injury occurred, females reported significantly less information on the accused in cases involving injury. Future research on eyewitness behavior should note the subtleties of the type of information required to be recalled and the effects of arousal on recall performance. 1 table, 2 figures, and 31 references.