Researchers concluded that line-ups with more than one suspect increase the probability of a mistaken identification being taken seriously. And if fillers in a line-up don't look like the general description, the witness is likely to pick the suspect if he looks most like that description. Telling the witness that the perpetrator may not be in the line-up. The research indicates witnesses sometimes feel it is their job to pick the person who looks most like the perpetrator. Psychological researchers also could not persuade the group that identification procedures should present the persons or the photos one by one, rather than in a group.
Research shows that sequential presentation produces more reliable results.
However, indicates Rau, after the guidelines have been used for a few years, the DOJ may undertake processes for improving and expanding them. In the meantime, Wells believes, the recommendations mark a sharp increase in the visibility and credibility of psychology within the legal system. Cover Page for this Issue APA Home Page .