A Case of Mistaken Identity?

By Karen Chambers

Abstract

This case explores the fundamental principles of memory, eyewitness accuracy, and police questioning techniques in witness identification in a criminal case. By studying the details of an actual series of attacks and the subsequent police investigation, students learn that memory is a reconstructive process rather than an accurate recording of events. The case has been used in an undergraduate introductory psychology course and in a course on psychology and the law. It could also be used in a cognitive psychology course.

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Date Posted

05/09/2001

Overview

Objectives

Demonstrate that memory is a reconstructive process rather than an accurate recording of events.

Keywords

Memory; eyewitness; witness identification; suggestive questioning; misattribution of source; lineup bias

Subject Headings

Forensic Science

Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Legal issues, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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