Lineup Instruction Verbiage's Effect on the Accuracy of Eyewitness Identifications: Michigan's Procedure

ABSTRACT Our study examined the effects of biased and unbiased lineup instructions verbiage on accuracy eyewitness identification in a suspect-absent photographic lineup. Seventy subjects were randomly assigned to either instruction condition or an where they watched mocked crime video, solved word-search puzzles for five minutes, completed lineup, then online post-witness experience feedback questionnaire. The utilized from State Bar Michigan's Eyewitness Identification Task Force recommended policy writing guide. For condition, alluded that suspect was present. Subjects answered correctly 45.7% time compared 28.6% those condition. Chi-square test independence indicated no significant association between rates. Binomial logistic regression found confidence level choice made, ease making identification, decision time, ability recognize appeinstructions, group not predictors identifying suspect. results would suggest does increase identifications.