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Journal Article 1: Loftus, E. F., & Greenspan, R. L. (2017). If I’m certain, is it true? Accuracy and confidence in eyewitness testimony. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 18, 1–2. doi:10.1177/1529100617699241

Learning Objectives: 2-1: The difference between a primary and secondary research source. | 2-2: How to identify scholarly works.

Summary: The authors respond to a new manuscript by Wixted and Wells about the relationship between confidence and accuracy as it applies to eyewitness testimony. The authors also summarize findings from a 2011 survey on eyewitness identification procedures implemented by police departments.

Questions to Consider:

1. How can you tell that this is not a primary research article?
2. How can you tell that this is a scholarly source?
3. What steps would you take to find out more about the Wixted and Wells manuscript or the 2011 survey referenced in the article?

Journal Article 2: O’Neill Shermer, L., Rose, K. C., & Hoffman, A. (2011). Perceptions and credibility: Understanding the nuances of eyewitness testimony. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 27, 183–203. doi:10.1177/1043986211405886

Learning Objectives: 2-1: The difference between a primary and secondary research source. | 2-2: How to identify scholarly works. | 2-4: The parts of a primary research article.

Summary: Considers how jurors evaluate different types of evidence, including eyewitness testimony.

Questions to Consider:

1. How can you tell that this is a primary research article?
2. What is the rationale for the study described in the article?
3. What are the key results?