In Many Eyewitness Studies, Researchers Carefully Observe the "Victim's" Behaviour

question 108

Multiple Choice

In many eyewitness studies, researchers carefully observe the "victim's" behaviour under various conditions. The presence of a weapon appears to decrease eyewitness accuracy in identifying the perpetrator. To test whether or not this is true, researchers re-enact a robbery both with and without a gun. People viewing the robbery where a gun was used were far less accurate in their description of the robber. This knowledge has been used in courtroom cases, often discrediting eyewitness testimony. In this case, the idea that the presence of a weapon decreases eyewitness accuracy, corresponds to which of the basic goals of psychology?

• A) understanding
• B) application
• C) prediction
• D) description

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Definitions:

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A significant break in the cranial bone often requiring medical intervention, which may arise due to blunt force trauma or accidents.

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Scientists who specialize in the study of primates, including both human and non-human species, focusing on their behavior, biology, evolution, and conservation.

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