Understanding Eyewitness Memory

The video discusses the misconception that eyewitness memory is more accurate during stressful events. Research indicates that stress can lead to more errors in memory recall. Under stress, individuals may focus on weapons rather than faces, a phenomenon known as the weapon focus effect, which decreases identification accuracy.

What is a common misconception about eyewitness memory during stressful events?

• Eyewitnesses are more accurate.

• Eyewitnesses are unaffected by stress.

• Eyewitnesses remember everything.

• Eyewitnesses are less accurate.

According to research, how does stress affect eyewitness accuracy?

• It makes memories clearer.

• It has no effect.

• It leads to more errors.

• It improves memory recall.

Why might a witness not remember a perpetrator's face during a crime?

• They are focusing on the weapon.

• They are distracted by noise.

• They are looking at other people.

• They are trying to escape.

What is the 'weapon focus effect'?

• A focus on the police officers.

• A focus on the crime scene.

• A focus on the victim's face.

• A tendency to focus on the weapon.

How does the weapon focus effect impact identification accuracy?

• It increases accuracy.

• It decreases accuracy.

• It has no impact.

• It makes identification faster.