The Z Generation: Examining Perpetrator Descriptions and Lineup Identification Procedures

Abstract

The descriptive and identification abilities of adolescents and adults were examined. Three identification procedures were used; simultaneous, sequential, and elimination. Adolescents (M = 16.49 years; N = 192) and adults (M = 20.16 years; N = 177) viewed a videotape of a staged theft. Participants were asked to describe the perpetrator, and following a brief delay were shown either a target-present or -absent lineup using one of the identification procedures. Adolescents and adults reported on average 7.63 descriptors. Clothing descriptors were most commonly reported with approximately half the descriptors relating to clothing. Correct identification rates were not associated with number of descriptors but were found to differ as a function of identification procedure with witnesses being more accurate when presented with a simultaneous lineup compared to an elimination lineup. Correct rejection rates significantly differed as a function of identification procedure with witnesses being more likely to correctly reject the lineup when presented with an elimination lineup compared to a simultaneous or sequential lineup. Witness age was not found to influence accuracy. The advantages and disadvantages of using each identification procedure are discussed.