Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Eyewitness Testimony - Anxiety

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Anxiety has a negative effect on memory (Johnson and Scott 1976)

Procedure

  • led participants to beloeve they were taking part in lab study
  • when in waiting room, pps heard argument in next room
  • low-anxiety condition - man walked through waiting area carrying a pen with grease on his hands
  • other pps heard the same argument but this was accompanied by breaking glass
  • high-anxiety condition - man walked out of the room holding a paper knife that was covered in blood

Findings

  • the pps later picked out man from set of 50 photos
  • 49% of pps who had seen man carrying the pen were able to identify him
  • corresponding figure for pps who had seen man…

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