Lesson Frame We will define observation and discuss the characteristics that make a good observer. I will be able to describe the limitations of eyewitness testimony.

Power of Observation Video Experiment

Problem A man is on trial for robbing a convenience store, and several witnesses report seeing him at the scene. During the trial, the defense sets up an experiment to discredit the eye-witness testimony. See how you do on this experiment.

Experimental Video While you are watching this movie, count the number of times the team in white passes the ball to each other. Count silently to yourself and make no comments during the movie. http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

Movie Debriefing

Background Video was made as part of an experiment designed to test people’s “inattentional blindness” In the original study at Harvard, only 42% of the people noticed the gorilla walking through the scene This activity illustrates the unreliability of eye-witness testimony

Whodunnit? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA During the video determine who killed Lord Smythe.

Witnesses vs. Physical Evidence Most witnesses do not intentionally lie on the witness stand Human observation is limited by memory, suggestion, and interpretation Memories can be confused or altered, but physical evidence stays the same

What is “observation”? Observation is defined as what a person perceives using his or her senses. Perception is interpreting information that is received from the senses. Information from our senses What we pay attention to Perception Short-term memory Long-term memory

Spot the Difference

Problem You’ve discovered a problem with the crime scene photos from a recent case. Someone has tampered with the crime scene. See how many differences you can spot between the two photographs of the same crime scene.

How many differences can you spot?

Did you find 5 differences?

How to Be a Good Observer To be a good observer, we must make a conscious effort to examine our surroundings systematically. Turn off filters and observe EVERYTHING, no matter how big or small. Be careful to concentrate on gathering everything present, without jumping to conclusions about what may have happened. Know that memory is faulty, write down and photograph everything.

Problem You were the principle crime scene investigator on a case two years ago. It is now time for you to testify in court about your findings. The defense attorney challenges the accuracy of your testimony and implies that you observational skills are not so great.

If he can show the jury you are not good at spotting details, he might have a chance of getting his client off. It is often the case in real life situations that the credibility of expert witness testimony is challenged. The thoroughness with which they do their jobs is critical.

Can you prove your observational skills are excellent?

You have 15 seconds to memorize the picture below.

Memory Quiz In your notebook, number your paper from 1-10. Answer each of the following questions based on the previous slide.

1. What color coffee mug was in the picture? Blue Red Yellow White

2. When was the deadline? Yesterday Tomorrow Today Oct. 19

3. What time was on the clock on the wall? 10:40 7:20 5:38 11:05

4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard? 3 6 7 8

5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture? Stapler Printer Trash can Pen

6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk? Steve Brian David Jeff

7. What color was the victim’s shirt? White Blue Red Green

8. How many plants were in the picture? 1 2 3

9. Which of the following was on the floor? Coffee mug Plant Cardboard box Backpack

10. Where was the book in the picture? On the box On the desk On the floor Under the body

Answers Yellow Today 11:05 6 Stapler Brian Blue 2 Backpack On the box

How emotions affect observation Our emotional state influences our ability to sense what is happening around us. If people are upset, happy, depressed, or relaxed they are more likely not to notice their surroundings. Anxiety plays a role in our ability to observe our surroundings- when we are nervous or anxious we pay more attention to our environment.

Exit Ticket Write 2-3 sentences describing the limitations of eyewitness testimony. Be sure to relate it to observation skills.