Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

The public’s involvement in missing person appeals is vital, prompting an exploration of factors influencing eyewitness memory. This study investigates the effect of time-lapse on recall accuracy, moderated by age groups within the UK. Building upon Lampinen, Arnal and Hicks’ (2009) work on eyewitness memory, participants viewed a stimulus video and later recalled details in a follow up questionnaire. Two time-lapse groups were studied, (1) completing the questionnaire directly after watching the stimulus video, and (2) completing the questionnaire after a two-week delay, yielding longitudinal data. This questionnaire is compiled of both quantitative and qualitative answers. Findings reveal higher recall accuracy in the immediate response group, affirming the hypothesis that time-lapse negatively impacts recall accuracy. Moreover, younger adults demonstrated higher recall accuracy than older adults. Interestingly, confidence levels were not indicative of recall accuracy. Results from this study showed the need for further longitudinal research into the factors influencing eyewitness memory.

Course: Criminology and Criminal Justice - BSc - UP586PYC

Date Deposited: 2024-11-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14505.html