As humans have such complex systems that can at times be fueled by an intense wave of emotion causing there to be inaccuracy in recalling memories of a high-stress event, is there a way to help eyewitness recall an event with more accurate detail?
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Elizabeth Loftus is the go-to for eyewitness testimony and memory fallibility. If I recall the experiment accurately (ironic!) participants were shown a collision between two cars. The researchers then split the two groups and asked for different details - in one group they were given words like 'did you see the two cars smash into each other while in the other group this sort of leading question was not given. The experimental group then recalled broken glass even though there was none.
Not only was the image of glass dependent on fed information, but also that of speed in the mind of the witness.
Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable and that is why there needs to be forensic evidence as well as qualitative statements given by onlookers.
For a fascinating read of this research check out: https://www.simplypsychology.org/loftus-palmer.html
However, the news isn't all bad. From this research, it became clear the responsibility interviewers had in facilitating communication between them and the eyewitness. Leading questions are now picked up and now interview techniques have evolved.
Allowing the witness to describe the events without leading is of paramount importance.