Paper on the story of jennifer thompson and ronald cotton

Reference no: EM13974034

Assignment- Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony can be used as evidence in criminal court cases to decide the innocence or guilt of a defendant. The truthfulness of eyewitness testimony depends importantly on the assumption that memory is accurate. But how good is our memory? What kind of scientific evidence suggests that our memories of events are continually modified long after the events have occurred? What are the implications for us as individuals, and for society?

Be sure you have read "Eyewitness Testimony" on pp. 202 - 203 in Mastering the World of Psychology before beginning this assignment.

First, watch a short video of Elizabeth Loftus and Gary Wells describing their research on eyewitness memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ_OEHuA2uw

Next, watch a 60 Minutes TV segment called "Eyewitness" (26-min. total time) about the story of Jennifer Thomson whose eyewitness testimony helped to put Ronald Cotton in jail for eleven years for the crime of rape. Her story is a classic example of how memory can be distorted and the terrible consequences that can follow.

60 minutes TV Segment (Pt. 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-SBTRLoPuo

WARNING: At 0:45 - 1:45 is a graphic description of the crime.

60 minutes TV segment (Pt. 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4V6aoYuDcg

Essay Directions: Write a reflection paper on the story of Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton. In your essay, use your knowledge of the scientific study of memory (especially on eyewitness testimony) and discuss what specific errors authorities made in their handling of this case and why Jennifer was so confident in the identification of her assailant. End your essay by discussing your opinion on the value of eyewitness testimony in courts of law.

Reference no: EM13974034

Questions Cloud

Maturity bond that pays a coupon rate : What is the yield to call of a 30-year to maturity bond that pays a coupon rate of 8.62 percent per year, has a $1,000 par value, and is currently priced at $838? The bond can be called back in 4 years at a call price $1,071.

How it can be best used to leverage knowledge of students : This idea refers to ways of teaching that moves learning out from the classroom and into all aspects of a person's life. Other voices have focused more on the philosophy of the university and how it can be best used to leverage the knowledge of st..

Find out the company cost of capital : Tall Trees, Inc is using the net present value (NPV) when evaluating projects. You have to find the NPV for the company's project, assuming the company's cost of capital is 11.23 percent.

Which are not according to mark a noll. : What characteristics that marked the Reformation period ,1517-1661, are still present in evangelical Christianity today and which are not according to Mark A Noll.

Paper on the story of jennifer thompson and ronald cotton : Essay Directions: Write a reflection paper on the story of Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton. In your essay, use your knowledge of the scientific study of memory (especially on eyewitness testimony) and discuss what specific errors authorities ..

Describes the characteristics and motivations of the threat : Describes the characteristics and motivations of the threat. Details, as much as possible, how the attack progressed through each phase of the Cyber Kill Chain.

Determining the coupon rate be on the bonds : Essary Enterprises has bonds on the market making annual payments, with seven years to maturity, a par value of $1,000, and selling for $950. At this price, the bonds yield 6 percent. What must the coupon rate be on the bonds?

Compute the gain or loss : Compute the gain or loss recognized by Corporation P if the amount realized on the sale is (1) $175,000, (2) $120,000, or (3) $95,000.

Did it change your point of view, how, why : Choose the subject(s). 1500 word thought/analytical essay on one or more of the subjects we've covered. No more than 1500 words.

User Account

All Pages