Jessica witnessed a car accident in which a person was seriously injured, and she is going to testify at the trial of the drunk driver who caused the accident. Define the following concepts and explain how each might apply to Jessica's testimony.
a. Encoding
b. Flashbulb memory
c. Repression
d. Reconstructive nature of memory
e. Decay
f. Prejudice
Describe one of the major problems with eyewitness testimony.
a. Encoding refers to the process of converting information into a form that can be stored and retrieved later. In the context of Jessica's testimony, encoding would refer to her ability to convert the details of the car accident that she witnessed into a memory that can be accessed and accurately recounted during the trial.
b. Flashbulb memory is a highly vivid and emotionally charged memory of a significant event. When someone experiences a highly surprising or emotionally arousing event, such as witnessing a car accident, it can create a long-lasting and detailed memory that feels as if it was captured in a "mental photograph". In Jessica's case, she may have a flashbulb memory of the car accident due to the intense emotional impact of seeing a person seriously injured.
c. Repression is a defense mechanism that occurs when a person unconsciously pushes distressing memories or thoughts out of their conscious awareness. It acts as a way to protect oneself from the emotional pain associated with traumatic events. However, in some cases, these repressed memories can resurface later. In Jessica's case, she may experience repression if her memory of the accident is too distressing for her to consciously recall.
d. The reconstructive nature of memory refers to the tendency of our memories to be influenced by various factors, including our personal beliefs, expectations, and experiences. When recalling an event, we often "reconstruct" it by filling in gaps with information that is consistent with our existing schemas or beliefs. In Jessica's testimony, the reconstructive nature of memory means that her memory of the car accident may be influenced by her own biases, beliefs, and previous experiences, potentially leading to inaccuracies in her testimony.
e. Decay refers to the fading of memories over time due to the lack of use or retrieval. Memories that are not regularly accessed or reinforced may gradually become less accessible and may eventually be forgotten. In Jessica's case, if she does not consciously make an effort to recall and review the details of the car accident, elements of her memory may decay over time and become less accurate.
f. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes towards a person or group, often based on stereotypes. In the context of eyewitness testimony, prejudice can affect the accuracy of testimony if the observer holds biases or preconceived ideas about certain characteristics of the individuals involved in the accident, such as their race, gender, or social status. These biases may influence the way Jessica perceives and remembers the events, potentially leading to inaccuracies in her testimony.
One major problem with eyewitness testimony is its susceptibility to memory distortion. Research shows that memory can be influenced by a variety of factors, including leading questions, post-event information, and the reconstructive nature of memory. Witnesses may unknowingly incorporate false or misleading information into their recollection of the event, either due to suggestion or the desire to provide a more coherent narrative. Moreover, memories can be influenced by emotional arousal, stress, or the passage of time, which can further impair their accuracy. Therefore, eyewitness testimony should be treated with caution and corroborated with other forms of evidence when possible.