Why Does the Presence of a Weapon Reduce Eyewitness Accuracy

question 32

Multiple Choice

Why does the presence of a weapon reduce eyewitness accuracy?

• A) because weapons interfere with the retrieval of events
• B) because witnesses have less sympathy for someone holding a weapon
• C) because the sight of a weapon causes witnesses to become more self-aware
• D) because witnesses tend to focus attention on highly salient features

---

Definitions:

Compatible Groups

Clusters of individuals or entities that exhibit a high degree of similarity or cohesion in preferences, values, or characteristics, facilitating harmonious interactions.

Construe Events

Interpreting or making sense of events by assigning meanings and significance to them.

Dissimilarities

The state or condition of not being alike, illustrating differences between entities in various aspects.

Mutually Exclusive

A condition or situation in which the occurrence of one event or state precludes the occurrence of another.