In many eyewitness studies, researchers carefully observe the "victim's" behaviour under various conditions. The presence of a weapon appears to decrease eyewitness accuracy in identifying the perpetrator. To test whether or not this is true, researchers re-enact a robbery both with and without a gun. People viewing the robbery where a gun was used were far less accurate in their description of the robber. This knowledge has been used in courtroom cases, often discrediting eyewitness testimony. In this case, the idea that the presence of a weapon decreases eyewitness accuracy, corresponds to which of the basic goals of psychology?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The goal of prediction in psychology involves anticipating how certain variables, such as the presence of a weapon, can affect outcomes like eyewitness accuracy.

In Many Eyewitness Studies, Researchers Carefully Observe the "Victim's" Behaviour