NCJ Number
231455
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2010 Pages: 252-261
Date Published
May 2010
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined advantages and disadvantages of laboratory versus field work in the research area of eyewitness testimony.
Abstract
There has been heated debate over the generalizability of laboratory studies on eyewitness testimony to forensic situations. Laboratory settings and criminal contexts apparently elicit different cognitive, social, and emotional processes. However, there are unique benefits of laboratory-based experimental studies (e.g., scientific controls) as well as of field studies conducted with actual criminal witnesses (e.g., enhanced ecological validity). Thus, simple comparisons of the findings obtained in different contexts may not appropriately assess the validity of laboratory research. It is concluded that diverse methodological approaches are essential to provide practical advice and recommendations for legal professionals. References (Published Abstract)