Juror underutilization of eyewitness nonidentifications: Theoretical and practical implications

Abstract

Tested the impact of 2 types of nonidentification information (eyewitness testimony and fingerprint evidence) on the perception of guilt. 216 undergraduates simulating the role of jurors were shown cases in which there was (a) a single eyewitness identification, (b) a single eyewitness nonidentification, (c) a single eyewitness control, (d) contradictory testimony, (e) 2 eyewitness identifications, or (f) 2 eyewitness nonidentifications. Three levels of fingerprint information (identification, nonidentification, and control) were factorially combined with the eyewitness factor. Results show that nonidentifications had less impact on perceptions of guilt than identification for both eyewitness testimony and fingerprint evidence. Findings are explained in terms of the general tendency for negative information to carry greater weight than positive information. (8 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)