The Psychological Phenomena That Can Lead to Wrongful Convictions
7 experts explain how human factors from confirmation bias to memory malleability play a role in criminal investigations and wrongful convictions.
By Innocence Staff 11.18.18

“Law enforcement officials are human and are susceptible to the same psychological phenomena that can adversely affect decision-making,” said Paul M. Cell, president of the IACP. “We are excited to be partnering with innocence organizations to make these videos available because education and training are critical to ensuring that these phenomena don’t adversely affect investigations.”
Confirmation Bias
Dr. Elizabeth Loftus discusses how memory is constructed and how it is susceptible to being manipulated by false information.
Implicit Bias
Professor L. Song Richardson explains how personal experiences shape our views and can result in unintentional bias.

““Law enforcement officials are human and are susceptible to the same psychological phenomena that can adversely affect decision-making.” ”
Memory Malleability
Dr. Elizabeth Loftus discusses how memory is constructed and how it is susceptible to being manipulated by false information.
False Confessions
Dr. Saul Kassin explains how interrogation techniques can cause innocent people to falsely confess to crimes they didn’t commit.
Tunnel Vision
– Retired Detective Jim Trainum explains the harm of focusing on a single or limited police or prosecutorial theory and seeking only evidence that confirms that particular theory.
Eyewitness Misidentification
Dr. Jennifer Dysart explains how memory affects identification and how to prevent eyewitness misidentifications.
Lie Detection and Demeanor Evidence
Dr. Par-Anders Granhag exposes the myth that it is possible to tell whether or not someone is being truthful from their physical ticks and mannerisms.
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