Observation and Eyewitness Testimony Quiz

True or False: An observation is made prior to the formation of a perception.

• True

• False

True or False: Studies have shown that eyewitnesses often provide faulty information (most of the time, unintentionally).

• True

• False

True or False: Good observation skills come naturally to investigators. They do not need to be trained.

• True

• False

True or False: Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide.

• True

• False

Which is NOT a factor that can affect observations?

• level of interest

• hair color

• biases

• emotions

All of the following are ways to improve our observational skills except ___.

• Be sure to look at the entire area, not just the body, weapons, or signs of break-in.

• Observe everything - big and small.

• When collecting evidence, record only those things that you are sure are important.

• Write down and photograph everything you find.

The forensic scientist has many duties. Which of these is NOT a job of a forensic expert?

• take detailed notes

• make judgments based on biases

• observe the crime scene

• make interpretations

Who founded the Innocence Project?

• Edmond Locard & Herbert Hoover

• Donald Trump & Barack Obama

• Peter Jennings & Robert Frost

• Barry Scheck & Peter Neufeld

Which of the following is NOT one of the brain’s four lobes?

• frontal

• parietal

• occipital

• cerebral

Deriving consequences from facts using a series of logical steps is known as ______.

• deductive reasoning

• eyewitness testimony

• triangulation

• observation skills