RETENTION INTERVAL AND EYEWITNESS MEMORY FOR EVENTS AND PERSONAL IDENTIFYING ATTRIBUTES

The effect of varying the retention interval after an interaction with a stranger on the accuracy of memory for events and for personal iden tifying characteristics at 2 recall attempts was investigated. Althoug h the number of correct event facts that were recalled decayed as expe cted, the percentage of recalled facts that were in error remained con stant over time. In addition, a single recall attempt prevented furthe r decay in the total amount correctly recalled. In contrast, although the perception of and memory for identifying characteristics varied wi th the attribute, retention interval had no effect on the accuracy of memory for the person, either at Ist recall or after a 2nd recall at 4 weeks. Confidence was highly predictive of the accuracy of personal d escriptions. The relationship between the accuracy of witness descript ions and the probability of arresting an innocent suspect is discussed .