New research suggests older people may make less reliable eyewitnesses. Research conducted by Dr Helen Kaye of The Open University involved 134 people aged between 22 and 66 years old, who were asked to watch video footage of a mugging. The participants had to then attempt to identify the suspects from two separate video line-ups. The perpetrator of the crime was present in the first line-up, but not in the second. Researchers explained to the volunteers that the suspect may or may be present in both scenarios. Dr Kaye then examined the responses and how confident participants were in their answers. Not only were older people more likely to mistakenly state the suspect was present in the second line-up, they were more assured about their response. Its interesting that older people felt more confident about their selection when they were wrong - to the point where they had imagined someone to be in the line-up who wasnt there, Dr Kaye said. She suggested police should take this into consideration when interviewing witnesses. The findings of the study will be presented today (May 7th) as part of the British Psychological Societys annual conference. bps.org.uk/news/older-people-and-indentity-parades
Posted on: Wed, 07 May 2014 15:16:08 +0000
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