Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2017
Journal
Undergraduate Honours Theses
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if eyewitness testimony and confidence are affected by conformity. Participants watched a crime video and then watched three videos of three confederates who were believed to be participants. For the three videos, each confederate looked at pictures of suspects and identified which one committed the crime. Participants in the ‘unbelievable suspect choice’ condition watched videos of confederates purposely choosing the wrong suspect. Participants in the ‘believable suspect choice’ condition watched the confederates choosing the correct suspect. After the participant chose a suspect, a confidence scale was filled out. The participant then assessed the confederates’ body language and completed a distractor task. Finally, he/she rated their confidence again and filled out a questionnaire. Results showed that participants who were in the ‘unbelievable’ condition did not pick the wrong suspect. However, they did show a lower initial confidence rating score. These participants did not show an increase in confidence later in time. Those who were in the ‘believable’ condition did choose the correct suspect and they did not show a significant change in confidence with time.
Notes
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Sandra Hessels