PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF MEMORY AND EMOTIONAL INFLUENCES IN LEGAL CONTEXTS

Abstract

Theoretical frameworks are sets of interrelated propositions designed to systematically address phenomena by specifying relationships among key concepts. Within the criminal justice system, eyewitness accuracy and reliability are critical factors influencing legal outcomes. Understanding the psychological determinants of eyewitness testimony is essential to ensuring judicial fairness. This paper critically examines the psychological factors, specifically memory and e otional influences, that affect the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the strengths and limitations of these theoretical perspectives are evaluated in relation to their practical implications for forensic psychology and legal practices. The paper considers how memory, as an active and reconstructive process, can be influenced by factors such as stress, emotion, and social dynamics, which may distort the accuracy of eyewitness recollections. The emotional impact of an event is explored through the lens of
theories such as James-Lange’s emotional theory, highlighting how fear or trauma can narrow attention and impair memory encoding. By synthesizing these psychological theories, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding eyewitness testimony, suggesting that improvements in forensic practice may be achieved by integrating psychological
insights into the judicial process.