Question

Research experiments by Wells and others (1979) show that incorrect eyewitnesses are believed _____ of the time.

a) Less than 10%.
b) Approximately 30%.
c) More than 70%.
d) About 50%

Answer 1

According to the research experiments by Wells and others (1979), incorrect eyewitnesses are believed more than 70% of the time. So the correct answer would be c) More than 70%. It's fascinating how our perception can be influenced by eyewitness testimony.

Answer 2

Incorrect eyewitnesses are believed more than 70% of the time, highlighting the issues with eyewitness testimony reliability due to the misinformation effect. To combat this problem, techniques such as neutral questioning and blind photo lineups are used to enhance the accuracy of eyewitness identification.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research experiments by Wells and others (1979) show that incorrect eyewitnesses are believed more than 70% of the time.

Studies in the field of eyewitness testimony reliability have demonstrated that eyewitness memories are not always accurate. The misinformation effect, a term popularized by researcher Elizabeth Loftus, can lead to the creation of false memories in eyewitness testimony. Misinformation can stem from the phrasing of questions, interaction with other witnesses, media reports, or suggestions from law enforcement.

To reduce the chances of misidentification and increase the reliability of eyewitness testimony, various methods have been implemented. For instance, neutral questioning has improved children's accuracy in recalling events, and the use of blind photo lineups helps prevent leading cues that could influence eyewitness identification.