How does lineup type and memory quality influence decision process?

Abstract

Research has shown that lineup type, memory quality, and decision strategies are still debated amongst psychologists about the appropriate measures that should be taken at lineup stages of criminal investigations. This research used think alouds to access participants’ decision processes whilst manipulating memory quality and lineup type. Think alouds were coded for the following strategies: absolute, automatic, relative, process of elimination, visualisation, scanning, checking, guessing, and stand out. The lineups were presented simultaneously or sequentially, with participants viewing one target-present and one target-absent lineup. Memory quality was manipulated via the quality of a mock crime viewed by participants. It was found that memory quality was not a predictor of decision strategy use. Participants who viewed a sequential lineup were more likely to respond automatically and make absolute judgements than witnesses who viewed simultaneous lineups. The results and advice for future research is discussed.