The confidence of a witness is one factor that greatly influences the jury of their confidence and the credibility of EWT.
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Aim?
To examin several factors, including witness confidence, that jurors may consider when evaluating EWT.
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Participants?
Undergraduate students, eligible or experienced jurors.
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Method?
Lab experiment/ Mock trial of a robbery. Independent measures.
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Procedure (1)
Videotaped trial of robbery - with key eye witness. Witness testified either 100% or 80% confident she identified the robber. P's aked for a verdict after the trial.
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Procedure (2)
Nine other variables (either at high or low level) introduced into film (e.g. precense of a weapon/suspect in disguise) Participants experienced high or low levels at random.
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Results (1)
Witness confidence was only statistically significant variable - 100% confidence- 67% convicted. 80% confident - 60% convicted.
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Results (2)
Relationship between confidence and accuracy poor - correlation weak.
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Conclusion?
Evidence shows that confidence is a poor predictor of accuracy. Juror's trust in a witness is undiminished even w/ judge's instruction. Confident witness VERY persuasive.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Aim?
Back
To examin several factors, including witness confidence, that jurors may consider when evaluating EWT.
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