remembering

From basic to applied research, memory in forensic contexts is a diverse area of study.

how we study memory in our lab

Within the PERPLab, we have conducted a variety of studies in relation to memory as it applied to forensic contexts. In general, our research focuses on memories for trauma and criminal victimization (or witness testimony), and not memory for violence perpetration. We also examine how memories for crime later influence criminal justice processes, from policing to courtroom settings.

(1) Examining the features and consistency of emotional memories, including memories for generalized trauma, sexual and non-sexual trauma, and direct versus indirect victimization experiences.

(2) Evaluating perceptions of memory credibility and when allegations and victim testimony are seen as truthful and accurate.

(3) Meta-analytic data on the validity of the weapon focus effect in lab and real life settings, and research on application of the unusualness hypothesis as it applies to memory and attentional narrowing.

(4) Examining factors associated with the malleability of memory, including the misinformation effect and applying false memory paradigms.

(5) Evaluation of factors that enhance or impair memory for criminal events and/or testimony in court (e.g., gore)

feature studies

Reach out to us for more information on any of these areas of research!

Traumatic Memories

Features of traumatic memories
Trauma type and memory characteristics
Consistency of traumatic memories
Testimonial consistency

False Allegations of Victimization

Characteristics of true v false allegations of victimization
Objective and subjective measures to identify false allegations

Weapon Focus Effect (WFE)

Validity of weapon focus effect in lab simulations & criminal events
Unusualness and weapon focus
Admissibility of WFE testimony

Bizarre Details

Schema consistent and inconsistent recall
Memory for bizarre perpetrator & crime details
Unusualness in eyewitness testimony

Misinformation & False Memories

Paradigms for false recall
Misinformation effect, emotion, and attentional narrowing

Memory & Gory Details

Memory for gory scenes
Attentional narrowing and levels of gore
Graphic evidence implications

Night Vision & Trauma Recall

Emotional valence and scene recall
Simulated night vision and trauma
Specialized training & memory processing

Perceptions of Memory in Court

Testimonial consistency of memory
Juror expectations about victim memory
Indirect v direct memory testimony

future research directions

Future studies will continue to address how trauma and/or memory for criminal events is reported, and the implications for how memory reports influence perceptions of victims and crimes. Further, studies are focused on courtroom processes and how memory for evidence influences decision-making.

Attentional Narrowing

Unusualness Effects in Memory

Composite Sketches

Memory for Graphic Evidence

stay tuned for these & other research developments!

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