Eyewitness misidentification can be reduced by what method?

• A. Inaccuracy in recalling a person; reduce risk through proper lineup procedures and sequential presentation.
• B. Reliance on eyewitness identifications alone.
• C. Eyewitness misidentification cannot be reduced.
• D. Eyewitness identifications are always reliable.

Answer: (A)

Eyewitness memory is fallible, and how a lineup is conducted can greatly affect accuracy. The method that best reduces misidentification is using proper lineup procedures and presenting the lineup sequentially. Presenting lineup members one at a time forces the witness to compare each person to their memory rather than directly comparing everyone in a group, which lowers the bias of choosing the person who looks most like the group as a whole. This sequential approach helps prevent the relative-judgment bias that often leads to false identifications.

Along with sequential presentation, proper lineup practice includes using fillers who resemble the suspect, ensuring the administrator is unaware of who the suspect is to avoid unintentional cues, instructing the witness that the perpetrator may or may not be present, and capturing the witness's confidence level at the time of identification. Together, these elements address common sources of error in eyewitness identifications and reduce the likelihood of misidentification.