PSYC 181 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Eyewitness Identification, Eyewitness Memory
Document Summary
Memory does not function like a video recorder. Memory is not a replica of the past. Memories can be altered based on several factors: Combined info with other info already stored in our memory. Unintentional alteration of an old memory with the addition of new info. The reconstructive nature of memory can lead to distorted memories of events and experiences. Eyewitness identification plays a key role in many criminal investigations. Eyewitness identification may not be as reliable as we think. Much evidence indications that children"s memories are especially susceptible to errors. Inadequate encoding can lead to errors in eyewitness memory at the time of the crime. A witness must piece together impressions of the defendant and the event. -questions may contain inaccurate info the witness confuses with the actual memory. Simultaneous lineups show all the lineup members at the same time. Witnesses compare each lineup member to the other members of the lineup.
