The Fragility of Sight: Unraveling the Unreliability of Eyewitness Testimony

The Fallibility of Human Memory

Human memory is not a flawless recording device; rather, it is reconstructive and susceptible to distortion. When individuals witness an event, their brains do not store exact replicas but instead encode fragments that are later reconstructed during recall. This reconstruction process can be influenced by various factors, leading to inaccuracies. For instance, the introduction of new information post-event can merge with original memories, altering one's recollection of the actual occurrence.

The Influence of Stress and Anxiety

Experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety during an event can significantly impair an eyewitness's ability to accurately recall details. The presence of a weapon, known as the "weapon focus" effect, can draw attention away from other critical aspects, such as the perpetrator's appearance. This narrowed focus results in a diminished capacity to remember peripheral details, thereby reducing the overall reliability of the testimony. ...Read More

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