Question

"Although current theories of memory are derived largely from experiments including lists of words or sentences, many memories in occurring everyday life involve complex, largely visual, and often fast moving events. Of course, we are rarely required to provide precise recall of such experiences – though as we age, we often volunteer them – but on occasion such recall is demanded, as when we have witnessed a crime or an accident. Our theories should be able to encompass such socially important forms of memory. It is clearly of concern to the law, to police and insurance investigators, and to others to know something about the completeness, accuracy, and malleability of such memories."

1. According to Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, why is the study of eyewitness memory important? Be sure to include a specific quotation from the excerpt above to support your explanation.

Hint: Keep in mind, this question is asking you why Dr. Loftus feels it is important to research if a witness’s testimony is accurate. In other words, should the memory of an eyewitness be used in a court of law? Will that memory be accurate?


2. Do the Loftus studies support the use of eyewitness testimony as evidence in court proceedings? Be sure to include specific details from the studies to support your position.

Hint: This question is asking if Dr. Loftus supports the use of eyewitness testimony in a court of law? What did Dr. Loftus’ studies discover about eyewitness testimony, questioning, and malleability?

Answer 1

1. "The study of human memory has practical implications for the law. The reliability of eyewitness testimony is often crucial in the determination of guilt or innocence." This quotation emphasizes how crucial it is to investigate eyewitness memory since it has a direct impact on how cases turn out in court. When eyewitness evidence is utilized in court, it has the potential to influence juries' judgments. If the testimony is faulty owing to memory lapses or other circumstances, it may result in false convictions or the exoneration of guilty parties. To ensure a just and legal system, it is crucial to comprehend the constraints and weaknesses of eyewitness recall. In addition to encouraging more precise and reliable methods for evaluating eyewitness testimony in legal circumstances, Loftus' research has played a significant role in bringing these difficulties to the public's attention.

2. No, the Loftus studies don't categorically back up using eyewitness accounts as evidence. Instead, Loftus' study has emphasized the possibility for distorted memories and mistakes and raised serious questions about the validity of eyewitness evidence. The impact of false information, false memories, weapon focus, and post-event information are among the Loftus experiments' findings that support this opinion. It would be incorrect to claim that Loftus' investigations support the usage of eyewitness testimony as irrefutable proof in light of these findings. Her work instead emphasizes the need for prudence when using such testimony in court. Legal systems sometimes use safeguards like testimony from experts on the vulnerability of memory, interrogation, and confirmation of eyewitness testimonies with other types of evidence to reduce the possibility for inaccurate memories and mistakes. Her research has also influenced changes in police interviewing procedures to reduce suggestive questions and tainting of witness memories. In the end, Loftus' study emphasizes how crucial it is to take into account the constraints of eyewitness evidence and use best practices to assure its veracity in legal circumstances.

Answer 2

Shown below

Step-by-step explanation:

1. It is important because it's required in resolving some serious every circumstance like Theft, accident etc.

See "...but on occasion such recall is demanded, as when we have witnessed a crime or an accident"

2.Yes. Consider this sentence "

Our theories should be able to encompass such socially important forms of memory. It is clearly of concern to the law, to police and insurance investigators,.. "