Final answer:
The reliability of eyewitness testimony is affected by suggestibility, the phrasing of questions, lineup procedures, and the fragility of memory. Studies have shown that different question wording can alter memory recall, and blind photo lineups are recommended to reduce misidentification risk. Judges may also address the potential for eyewitness errors in court.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Affecting the Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony
The reliability of eyewitness testimony is influenced by several factors which include suggestibility, the phrasing of questions, the methods used in police lineups, and the overall fragility of human memory. Suggestibility can lead to the creation of false memories, especially when external misinformation is present.
The misinformation effect, as studied by Loftus, showcases how easily memory can be altered post-event by subtle changes in language or presented information. For instance, the verbs used in questions can affect a witness's recall, as shown in studies where differing verbs led to different estimates of car speeds in simulated accidents.
Another crucial aspect is how police lineups are conducted to minimize the risk of eyewitness misidentification. It is recommended to use a blind photo lineup where the administrator does not know which photo belongs to the suspect, to avoid giving implicit cues that could sway the witness. In the court system, some judges inform jurors about the potential for misidentification and may suppress unreliable eyewitness testimony.
These factors underscore the importance of careful consideration when evaluating eyewitness accounts in legal proceedings. Eyewitnesses can be seen as a valuable source of information, but awareness of these factors is essential to prevent the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals and to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.