Understanding Eyewitness Memory: Theory and Applications

Eyewitness testimony can be inaccurate due to perception and memory issues. In 1981, Michael Williams was convicted of aggravated rape based on the victim's eyewitness testimony, but he was later released after three DNA analyses proved his innocence. This case highlights the importance of understanding eyewitness memory in order to ensure accurate justice. Sean M. Lane and Kate A. Houston's book "Understanding Eyewitness Memory" examines the science of eyewitness memory, including how we remember and describe people, the nature of false and genuine memories, and how emotional arousal and stress affect what we remember.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2021
Publisher: New York University Press

In 1981, a sixteen-year-old named Michael Williams was convicted of aggravated rape based solely on the testimony of the victim. Despite the absence of any other evidence linking him to the attack, the jury found him guilty. However, after nearly twenty-four years of wrongful imprisonment, Williams was finally released when three separate DNA analyses proved his innocence.

Despite this, the victim still maintains that Williams was the culprit, which serves as a poignant example of eyewitness error. In their book, Sean M. Lane and Kate A. Houston delve deep into the science of eyewitness memory, exploring a range of critical topics. From basic research on perception and memory to the profound implications of this research on the quality and accuracy of eyewitness evidence, the volume addresses pressing questions such as: How do we remember and describe the people we encounter? What is the nature of false and genuine memories? How do emotional arousal and stress influence our recollections?

Understanding Eyewitness Memory provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex interplay between memory and psychology, shedding light on the factors that can influence eyewitness testimony. By examining the case of Michael Williams and delving into the scientific research surrounding eyewitness memory, the book offers valuable insights into the importance of ensuring the reliability and accuracy of eyewitness evidence in the legal system. This is crucial not only for the protection of innocent individuals but also for the pursuit of justice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479842513