Honors Program Theses
Award/Availability
Open Access Honors Program Thesis
First Advisor
Otto MacLin
Abstract
Cognitive maps are map-like representations of a spatial environment. Eyewitnesses are often asked to create a cognitive map of a crime scene so that it can be submitted as evidence in a criminal trial. Another key piece of evidence provided by an eyewitness is a description of the perpetrator which is used to acquire eyewitness identification. To the best of our knowledge, the correlation between cognitive maps and eyewitness identification has never been empirically investigated. The present study asserts the hypothesis that complex cognitive maps are positively correlated with correct eyewitness identifications. This hypothesis has been formulated off previous research done by McClure and Shaw (2002) on facial sketches and eyewitness identification. Results of the present study however, show that there is no correlation, neither positive or negative, between cognitive map complexity and eyewitness identification. The results of this study have created possibilities for further research on these pieces of evidence and what it means for the future of cognitive maps in a courtroom.
Year of Submission
2012
Department
Department of Psychology
University Honors Designation
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors
Date Original
5-2012
Object Description
1 PDF file (46 pages)
Copyright
©2012 Hannah Mazoe Paul
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Paul, Hannah Mazoe, "Cognitive Maps and the Confidence-Accuracy Relation in Eyewitness Identification" (2012). Honors Program Theses. 898.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/hpt/898
Comments
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