Eliminating error with older eyewitnesses using the elimination lineup

Rochon, Chantal A. (2014) Eliminating error with older eyewitnesses using the elimination lineup. Bachelor's thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Older eyewitnesses have difficulty saying the perpetrator is not present in a lineup where the perpetrator is in fact absent. In this study a lineup technique called the elimination lineup was used to see whether it could help seniors. Younger (N=62, ages 18-58) and older adults (N=30, ages 61-94) were assessed using four different lineup conditions: the traditional simultaneous technique and the elimination technique with the perpetrator present or absent. Participants watched a video of either an older or a younger man driving then answered questions about the video, completed a driving behaviour survey, and looked at a photo lineup to potentially identify the driver. Older participants performed better with the elimination lineup than the simultaneous lineup if the driver was absent and similar to younger participants on the elimination lineup if the driver was present. This demonstrates the elimination lineup may be a better alternative for older eyewitnesses.

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