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This article was published online on 31 May 2008. An error was subsequently identified and corrected by an Erratum notice that was published online only on 9 December 2008; DOI: 10.1002/acp.1510. This printed version incorporates the amendment identified by the Erratum notice.
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Research Article
Eyewitness identification under stress in the London Dungeon†
Article first published online: 31 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1002/acp.1463
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Valentine, T. and Mesout, J. (2009), Eyewitness identification under stress in the London Dungeon. Appl. Cognit. Psychol., 23: 151–161. doi: 10.1002/acp.1463
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 12 DEC 2008
- Article first published online: 31 MAY 2008
- Abstract
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Abstract
Eyewitness experiments do not induce the stress experienced by victims of crime. It is important to understand the effect of stress if results of laboratory studies are to be generalised to victims and witnesses of real crimes, but previous research has shown a mixed picture. The ability of visitors to the London Dungeon to describe and identify somebody encountered in the Horror Labyrinth was investigated, as a function of their state anxiety. To validate the measure of state anxiety, participants wore a wireless heart rate monitor whilst in the labyrinth. High state anxiety was associated with a higher heart rate. Subsequently, visitors completed measures of their state anxiety experienced whilst in the labyrinth and a measure of trait anxiety. High state anxiety was associated with reporting fewer correct descriptors of the target person, more incorrect details and making fewer correct identifications from a lineup. There was no effect of trait anxiety on eyewitness memory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.