When criminal psychologists distinguish between system variables and estimator variables as two sources of inaccuracy in eyewitness reports and identifications, they are distinguishing between variables ____.
A)that are under the control of the criminal justice system versus those that are not
B)that are static versus those that are present only at the scene of the crime
C)that are relatively objective versus those that are subjective
D)that are based on memory versus those that are based on inference

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

System variables are those aspects of the eyewitness identification process that the criminal justice system can control (e.g., how lineups are conducted), whereas estimator variables are factors outside the control of the justice system (e.g., lighting conditions at the crime scene, the witness's stress level).

When Criminal Psychologists Distinguish Between System Variables and Estimator Variables