Anxiety Ewt 12mark
Outline and evaluate research into the effects of anxiety on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony (12 marks).
Peters (1998) took the heart rate of students during n injection and then again 2 minutes later, those with high heart rates were classed as high anxiety participants and those with low heart rates were classed as low anxiety participants. One week later all participants were asked to identify the face of the nurse that gave them the injection, 31% of high anxiety participants recognised the photo of the nurse whereas 59% of the low anxiety participants were able to recognise the photo. From this study it is concluded that anxiety caused by the injection decreased the accuracy of the participant’s recall of the details of the situation.
The aim on Loftus (1979) was to find out whether anxiety in EWT affected later identification. In the investigation there were two conditions, in both the participants were misled into believing they were in a waiting room for an investigation however they were being tested without them knowing. In condition one participants overheard a discussion about some lab equipment failing after which a person came out of the room holding a greasy pen. In condition two participants overheard a heated discussion followed by breaking glass, afterwards a man came out with a knife covered in blood. All participants were then asked to identify the man from 50 photos. 49% of participants in condition one correctly identified the man whereas only 33% of participants were able to identify the man in condition two. This study demonstrates the weapon focus effect as the participants were more focused on the weapon therefore narrows the focus of attention stopping them from taking in central details of the event.
Peters study does not involve a crime or crime scene this means that it cannot be linked the effects of eye witness testimony and cannot be generalised. The investigation also lack population validity as all of the participants
Peters (1998) took the heart rate of students during n injection and then again 2 minutes later, those with high heart rates were classed as high anxiety participants and those with low heart rates were classed as low anxiety participants. One week later all participants were asked to identify the face of the nurse that gave them the injection, 31% of high anxiety participants recognised the photo of the nurse whereas 59% of the low anxiety participants were able to recognise the photo. From this study it is concluded that anxiety caused by the injection decreased the accuracy of the participant’s recall of the details of the situation.
The aim on Loftus (1979) was to find out whether anxiety in EWT affected later identification. In the investigation there were two conditions, in both the participants were misled into believing they were in a waiting room for an investigation however they were being tested without them knowing. In condition one participants overheard a discussion about some lab equipment failing after which a person came out of the room holding a greasy pen. In condition two participants overheard a heated discussion followed by breaking glass, afterwards a man came out with a knife covered in blood. All participants were then asked to identify the man from 50 photos. 49% of participants in condition one correctly identified the man whereas only 33% of participants were able to identify the man in condition two. This study demonstrates the weapon focus effect as the participants were more focused on the weapon therefore narrows the focus of attention stopping them from taking in central details of the event.
Peters study does not involve a crime or crime scene this means that it cannot be linked the effects of eye witness testimony and cannot be generalised. The investigation also lack population validity as all of the participants