Outline and evaluate research into the effects of age on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (12 marks)

Outline and evaluate research into the effects of age on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (12 marks)

Research has consistently shown that age is an important factor when considering the accuracy of an eyewitness’s testimony. The recall of children, for example, has been found to be influenced by a number of factors.

Ceci et al argued that the memories of younger children are weaker and fade faster, and that this makes them more uncertain about the details of events. They found that, as a result, 3 to 4-year-old children were more sensitive to leading questions than older children.

This is supported by Warren et al who questioned adults and children on a story…