An Investigation of the Weapon Focus Effect and the Confidence–Accuracy Relationship for Eyewitness Identification

Abstract

Eyewitness memory can be negatively influenced by the presence of a weapon during a crime. We investigated the potential impact of weapon presence on the confidence–accuracy relationship. Additionally, we tested a concealed weapon condition, as it is common for criminals to verbally threaten a victim with a weapon, despite not showing one during a crime. In support of the weapon focus effect (WFE), correct identifications were lower, and false identifications were higher, for participants who saw the weapon. The concealed weapon did not create a WFE, even though the perpetrator attempted to draw attention to the gun in his pocket, and participants reported that he had a gun. Calibration analyses revealed that weapon presence, whether visible or concealed, did not negatively impact the confidence–accuracy relationship. In fact, participants were best calibrated when the weapon was clearly visible. We discuss implications of these findings for police and the criminal justice system.