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Cognitive psychology has been used to explain key questions of relevance to today’s society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
Cognitive psychology has been used to explain key questions of relevance to today’s society. Discuss the key question for society you have studied using concepts, t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cognitive psychology has been used to explain key questions of relevance to today’s society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Key question: How reliable is eyewitness testimony?
Answer
Eyewitness testimony plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, yet it is often unreliable, which can lead to wrongful convictions. For instance, The Innocence Project (2015) identified that 72% of wrongful convictions were partly or wholly due to eyewitness misidentification, highlighting the significance of this issue in society.
Furthermore, individuals who are consistently found guilty may actually be innocent, which means that many crimes may go unreported if victims are reluctant to come forward due to a lack of trust in the eyewitness account.
Step 2
AO2: Evaluate the implications of reconstructive memory theory.
Answer
From a cognitive psychology perspective, reconstructive memory theory suggests that recollections can be influenced by pre-existing schemas, which can lead to inaccuracies in eyewitness testimony. This is significant, as witnesses may inadvertently fill in gaps in their memory with incorrect details.
Moreover, studies show that when individuals do not pay attention to certain details or when they rehearse statements, their memory can become muddled, affecting the reliability of their testimony. Research by Peterson and Peterson (1959) indicates that rehearsal is crucial for retaining information, emphasizing the necessity for repeated learning to enhance memory accuracy.