The ability of people to remember the details of events, such as accidents and crimes, which they themselves have observed. Accuracy of EWT can be affected by factors such as misleading information, leading questions and anxiety
What is misleading information?
Incorrect information given to the eyewitness usually after the event (hence often called post-event information). It can take many forms, such as leading questions and post-event discussion between co-witnesses and/or other people
What is a leading question?
A question, which, because of the way it is phrased, suggests a certain answer. For example, 'was the knife in the accused's left hand?' This suggests the answer is 'left hand'
What is post-event discussion?
Occurs when there is more than one witness to an event. Witnesses may discuss what they have seen with co-witnesses or with other people. This may influence the accuracy of each witness' recall of the event
