Postidentification Feedback Influence Through Nonverbal Cues

Postidentification Feedback Influence Through Nonverbal Cues by Brigette A. Kruis MS, Walden University, 2016 MS, Tiffin University, 2012 BS, Kaplan University, 2011 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2020 Abstract For many years, psychologists and other social scientists have investigated the influence of postidentification verbal feedback on eyewitnesses’ identifications. However, the purpose of this study was to examine if the impact of nonverbal postidentification feedback cues on eyewitnesses’ confidence level can have the same effect as verbal postidentification feedback. The postidentification feedback effect has been well documented in regards to verbal feedback. The research questions for this study examined what effects on eyewitnesses’ confidence level that positive and negative nonverbal feedback would have. Participants (N=66) were selected at random from a local park and placed into one treatment group (positive, negative or no nonverbal feedback). Two separate questionnaires were completed by the participants and measured using a Likert scale. To conduct this quantitative study a mixed ANOVA was done to see the relationships between and within the pretreatment and posttreatment groups. The results indicate that there was a significant change in eyewitnesses’ confidence level after receiving the corresponding feedback. This indicates that an eyewitness can also be influenced by post identification feedback using nonverbal cues. Recommendations are made for ways of improving the lineup administration and other eyewitness identification processes to address common concerns associated with the current procedures and best practices. These findings can contribute to positive social change in law enforcement departments self-assessing their policy and procedures. This can also lead to less bias and suggestibility within the entire criminal justice system.For many years, psychologists and other social scientists have investigated the influence of postidentification verbal feedback on eyewitnesses’ identifications. However, the purpose of this study was to examine if the impact of nonverbal postidentification feedback cues on eyewitnesses’ confidence level can have the same effect as verbal postidentification feedback. The postidentification feedback effect has been well documented in regards to verbal feedback. The research questions for this study examined what effects on eyewitnesses’ confidence level that positive and negative nonverbal feedback would have. Participants (N=66) were selected at random from a local park and placed into one treatment group (positive, negative or no nonverbal feedback). Two separate questionnaires were completed by the participants and measured using a Likert scale. To conduct this quantitative study a mixed ANOVA was done to see the relationships between and within the pretreatment and posttreatment groups. The results indicate that there was a significant change in eyewitnesses’ confidence level after receiving the corresponding feedback. This indicates that an eyewitness can also be influenced by post identification feedback using nonverbal cues. Recommendations are made for ways of improving the lineup administration and other eyewitness identification processes to address common concerns associated with the current procedures and best practices. These findings can contribute to positive social change in law enforcement departments self-assessing their policy and procedures. This can also lead to less bias and suggestibility within the entire criminal justice system. Postidentification Feedback Influence Through Nonverbal Cues by Brigette A. Kruis MS, Walden University, 2016 MS, Tiffin University, 2012 BS, Kaplan University, 2011 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2020 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my family for all of their love, support and understanding. To my late Father and my Mother who gave me unconditional love and support throughout this incredibly hard journey. Especially for my Mother who gave me much needed support when we had to start over in life. She gave me positivity when it was most needed. To my daughter, Faith, you will never know how much you’ve inspired me. You have been so strong throughout everything you’ve experienced in your short life. I am so proud of the lady you’ve become. Thank you for giving me the strength and the inspiration to better myself and to make a better life not only for the both of us but the world around us as well. “I know in my heart that man is good; that what is right will always eventually triumph; and there is purpose and worth to each and every life. ” ~President Ronald Reagan Acknowledgments I could not have done this without my faith and the grace and strength of my Lord Jesus Christ. To my Chair, Jerrod Brown, thank you for your guidance and support during this difficult journey. The words of support and encouragement you have given to me over the year have been incredible. You have put me on a path to which I am most interested and eager to explore further. Thank you for all of your time, dedication and most of all, your patience. To my Committee member, Rich Thompson, thank you for your time and support with this research. I cannot express how much I appreciate your expertise and support throughout these years. Thank you most of all for your patience and understanding.