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Description: This study featured a multiple-block face recognition paradigm. For each of several blocks, participants studied a sequential presentation of briefly-presented faces that included a target, and then later in the same block they made an identification decision from either a simultaneous or sequential lineup. Targets had been rated for distinctiveness and then a distinctive feature (scar, mole, or black eye) had been added (or not) to assess a potential interaction between holistic and feature-driven distinctiveness in terms of correct identification rate (target choices) and false identification rate (non-target "innocent suspect" choices). Distinctive faces yielded higher accuracy overall, replicating prior research. Adding a feature to a nondistinctive target did not change correct identification rate; interestingly, adding a feature to a distinctive target decreased correct identification rate, but only for simultaneous lineups. Out of four simultaneous-sequential comparisons, there was one sequential lineup advantage (lower false identification rate): after encoding a nondistinctive target with an added feature. Overall, results from this single experiment suggest that if an eyewitness's description of a perpetrator includes a distinctive feature, a sequential lineup should be used to protect the innocent. However, if no distinctive feature is mentioned, there is no preference for simultaneous or sequential lineup.
Suggested Citation:
Carlson, C.A. (2011). Influence of a perpetrator's distinctive facial feature on eyewitness identification from simultaneous versus sequential lineups [Electronic Version]. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice,
7(2), 77-92.
Keywords: eyewitness identification, distinctiveness, simultaneous and sequential lineups, distinctive feature
Date: Dec 16, 2011 | File Size: 525.88 Kb | Downloads: 2333