the ability of people to remember the details of events, such as accidents or crimes which they have observed. Accuracy can be impacted by misleading information or anxiety
Misleading Information
Incorrect information given to an eyewitness usually after the event. It can take many forms such as leading questions and post-event discussion between others
Leading Question
A question phrased in such a way as to prompt a particular kind of answer
Post Event Discussion
When there is more than one witness to an event, witnesses and co-witnesses discuss what they have seen which may influence a more accurate memory recall
Anxiety
A state of emotional and physical arousal. The emotions include having worried thoughts and feelings of tension. Physical changes include an increased heart rate and sweatiness. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations, but can affect the accuracy and detail of an eyewitness testimony.
The weapon-focus effect
When there is a weapon involved in a crime, the witness may focus on the weapon instead of the peripheral details, attention narrows and we have almost tunnel vision on the weapon as it makes us anxious
Response bias explanation
wording of the question does not influence the actual memory of the participant, but just influences on they decide to answer it.
Substitution explanation
Wording of the question changes the participants memory, the wording alters the participants memories
