This week, you will continue your exploration of estimator variables that might influence the reliability of eyewitness testimony. There are also system variables that can influence the reliability of eyewitness testimony. System variables include all eyewitness procedures and processes under the control of the criminal justice system, including jury instructions and police lineups. Police have significant power to engage in practices that improve accuracy.
This Application Assignment is due by Day 7 of Week 5.
To prepare for this Assignment:
Review Chapter 6 in your course text, Forensic and Legal Psychology . Focus on examples of system variables. Consider how they might influence reliability of eyewitness identification. Review the Wells and Olson article, “Eyewitness Testimony.” Focus on current findings in the literature regarding system variables and their influence on eyewitness testimony. Review the section on Ronald Cotton, pages 140–142 in Chapter 7 in your course text, Forensic and Legal Psychology . Also, review the Ronald Cotton case study summary below. Based on these readings, identify system variables that may have had an impact on the case. Find and read a peer-reviewed article in the Walden Library about one of the system variables you have decided to analyze. Consider the significance of the system variable you selected and its relevance to the case.
Case Study: Eyewitness Identification
Jennifer Thompson, a white female college student living in southeastern United States, was sexually assaulted at knifepoint in her home in the middle of the night. During the attack, the lights remained off.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES (https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407891)
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407878
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407878
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407891
PSYC_2101_Week_5_Assignment_Rubric
Case Study: Eyewitness Identification
Despite the darkness, Jennifer claimed to have studied the attacker’s face during the assault. Consequently, she felt she was able to identify her assailant to authorities.
Shortly after the attack, Jennifer contacted police. Within hours, she helped law enforcement officials create a composite sketch of her attacker. Within a week—after examining mug shots—she identified Ronald Cotton, an African-American male, as the rapist. About 2 weeks later, the police arrested Mr. Cotton. Two weeks later, at the police station, she identified Ronald Cotton in a live simultaneous lineup. She told detectives she was 100% certain he was the assailant. During the trial, she clearly demonstrated her confidence that it was Ronald Cotton, the defendant, who had sexually assaulted her.
The Assignment (3 pages minimum):
Provide an analysis of the Ronald Cotton case, and include the following:
Describe two system variables in the Ronald Cotton case. Explain the significance of each system variable as it relates to the case. Provide two recommendations to improve actions taken by the police related to eyewitness identification in the Ronald Cotton case.
Explain the relevance of the peer-reviewed article you selected for your analysis of the Ronald Cotton case.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK5Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial 2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page. 3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
