Lineups and Eyewitness Identification

Research on eyewitnesses has led to the development of a knowledge base about the factors that influence eyewitness identification accuracy and to changes to criminal justice policies concerning the collection of eyewitness identification evidence. In this review, we provide an overview of the field of eyewitness identifications and suggest future directions for research. First, we provide the context for the study of eyewitness identifications. Second, we review a sample of factors that affect the accuracy of eyewitness identifications, with attention to both the conditions under which crimes occur and the manner in which identification tests are conducted. Third, we review several findings about which there is some contemporary debate or controversy. Finally, we highlight opportunities for further research on eyewitness identifications by drawing upon basic research in social and cognitive psychology and lessons from actual cases.