Question

Module 2 Discussion 2

After reading the information in chapter 8 and reviewing the videos on Ronald Cotton Video 1 and Ronald Cotton Video 2, briefly describe the process (stages) of memory/remembering and then describe how interference, distortion, and distortion/error can alter memories, particularly the memory of an eyewitness to a crime or traumatic event. Do you believe eyewitness accounts of events are accurate enough to use in court cases? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The process of memory/remembering involves three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Interference, distortion, and error can alter memories, particularly the memory of an eyewitness to a crime or traumatic event. Interference occurs when new information interferes with the retrieval of old information, while distortion happens when memories are altered by new information. Error occurs when memories are forgotten or misremembered.

Eyewitness accounts of events are not always accurate enough to use in court cases because memory is not always reliable, and eyewitnesses can be influenced by various factors such as leading questions, stress, and the passage of time. Eyewitness testimony can lead to wrongful convictions, and it is important to consider the reliability of eyewitnesses and the accuracy of their memories.