Marcus and Sarah recently witnessed a daytime robbery at a high-end watch boutique. The robber was brandishing a heavy iron crowbar to shatter display cases while demanding valuable watches. Marcus was asked to give a statement to the police shortly after. He provided a highly detailed description of the crowbar, including its rust marks and shape, but was unable to identify the robber from a video line-up.
Ten days after the event, Sarah, who is an avid reader of classic detective novels, gave her statement to the police. She successfully identified the robber from the line-up but insisted that the robber was carrying a handgun. Another bystander at the scene, with whom Sarah had chatted while waiting for the emergency services, also claimed that a handgun had been used.
Evaluate factors influencing the eye-witness testimony given by Marcus and Sarah.
You must make reference to the context in your answer.
120 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Content, covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.