Method of questioning and the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
System variables are integrally part of factors that can be controlled by the legal system to enhance the accuracy of testimony by eyewitnesses. Apart from examining the relationship between questioning as system variable and the accuracy of testimony, the present study furthermore explores the relationship between type of questioning and certain biographical variables (occupation, age, gender and race). To achieve the aim of the study, 412 respondents consisting of 11 to 14-year-olds, university students, the public and Police College students participated and were exposed to open-ended or closed-ended questions. It was found that the participants who responded to the closed-ended questions were significantly more accurate than those who answered the open-ended questions. All the biographical groups, except the public, were more accurate in responding to the closed-ended questions. The scholars obtained the lowest scores (although not always significant) for both the open-ended and closed-ended questions. With respect to age the 18 to 25-year-olds obtained significantly higher scores than the other groups for the closed-ended questions. Whites performed significantly better than blacks in response to the open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Venter
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Centre for Psychology and Law, Department, of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Louw
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DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D044469:Racial Groups; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D013019:South Africa