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Description: Numerous studies have demonstrated problems with the reliability of eyewitnesses in criminal justice setting. Many of the same concerns apply to eyewitnesses in civil cases involving product identification testimony, as in asbestos litigation. We examined differences in product identification memory between witnesses with differing levels of involvement, the effects of delay before testing, experience, pre-existing familiarity, and participants’ self-reported confidence. Participants either mixed recipes (actors) or observed this mixing (observers) and later were tested about the brands used. Contrary to expectations, observers were slightly more accurate than actors, though all witnesses were influenced by pre-existing familiarity. Confidence was unrelated to accuracy in all conditions. Participants with more baking experience were more confident, but not more accurate, suggesting experience inflates confidence without improving accuracy. We discuss implications for matters of product identification testimony.
Suggested Citation:
Colby, M. A. & Weaver, C. A. (2006). Comparing Eyewitness Memory and Confidence for Actors and Observers in Product Identification [Electronic Version]. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice,
2(2), 145-162.
Keywords: eyewitness memory, confidence, actors vs. observers, product identification
Date: Nov 07, 2006 | File Size: 111.55 Kb | Downloads: 2221