Accuracy of Memory Is a Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1295 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 4

These factors, however, can contribute to bias opinion. Legal professionals also consider occupation in relation to memory accuracy. For example, law enforcement officers tend to be better witnesses as they practice paying attention to detail, and are required to recall details on a regular basis. This overall category pertaining to the attributes of the witness have an effect on encoding and storing information, which are the first two stages of information processing. When these factors influence information processing, any information filtered to long-term memory can be significantly distorted.

The second category considered when establishing the accuracy of an eyewitness's memory is the attributes of the perpetrator. When questioning an eyewitness, legal professionals must inquire if the perpetrator was wearing a disguise, has a distinctive face, or if they were an acquaintance, friend, or family member. Each of these scenarios contributes to the accuracy of the individual's memory. The third general category considers the attributes of the events observed. This includes assessing the amount of time an eyewitness has to view and observe the event. The less time the individual has, the less time they have to encode the information, and the less likely the information will be deciphered into LTM. Other influences include the physical distance the individual is from the event, or any other obstruction that reduces one's ability to encode information into memory, such as lighting, extreme noise, etc. Witnesses under high levels of stress, fear, or are in the presence of a weapon during the event are all at risk of decreased memory accuracy. Both cognitive and neural heightened responses during intense stress reduce coding of information to LTM.

The fourth general category influencing memory considers the attributes of law enforcement procedures used to obtain evidence from the witness.

Stuck Writing Your "Accuracy of Memory Is A" Essay?

View All Our Example Accuracy of Memory Is a Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Interview techniques, such as interruptions and closed-ended questions, influence verbal descriptions given about the events. Information introduced by law enforcement, investigators, media, other witnesses, etc. also influence the accuracy of memory as these details may be incorporated into the witness's mind. At this point, it can be difficult for the witness to know the genesis of the memory, and leads to loss of their own perception.

Another critical component to the accuracy of memory is the influence of emotion. Researchers attempt to distinguish between emotional associated memories and nonemotional associated memories. Evidence has shown that negative emotion enhances the intensity of the memory, and also greater likelihood of remembering event details. Neurological pathways have also been identified by MRI evidence, suggesting the link between emotion-processing regions of the amygdale and orbitofrontal cortex to the memory encoding of information related to negative subjects. The study ultimately enforces the impact of emotions on the accuracy of memory.

The depths of memory are influenced by a multitude of factors. Information must first be perceived and encoded before it is translated into long-term memory. Interference with this process, whether it is age, lifestyle, emotion, or circumstances of the memory event, all have their implications on the accuracy of one's memory. Accuracy of memory is significantly questioned in the context of eyewitness testimony. Memory alone is rarely regarded as sufficient evidence to prove and convict the perpetrator of a crime, due to the subjective, sometimes bias, and incomplete nature of memories. The vastness of memories make them unquantifiable, difficult to conceptualize, and can rarely be regarded as factual accounts of events, as memories are unique to every individual......

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Accuracy Of Memory Is A" (2011, May 26) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/accuracy-memory-45033

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Accuracy Of Memory Is A" 26 May 2011. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/accuracy-memory-45033>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Accuracy Of Memory Is A", 26 May 2011, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/accuracy-memory-45033
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example