Small amounts of anxiety can increase the accuracy of memory, but high levels of anxiety can have a negative effect on the accuracy. When someone is witnessing a crime they are likey to have high anxiety levels and the witness is likely to focus on any weapons present.
Loftus (1979):
This study had an independant groups design. Participants heard a discussion in a nearby room. In one condition, a man came out of the room with a pen and grease on his hands. In the second condition, the man came out carrying a knife covered in blood. The participants were then shown 50 photographs and asked to identifiy the man.
The participants in condition one were 49% accurate.
The participants in conditon two were 33% accurate.
When there are high levels of anxiety, the witness focuses on the weapon at the expense of other details.
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