Weapon Focus Effect on a Hispanic/Latinx Population
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-2025
Abstract
The effects of misidentification of an innocent person can be catastrophic. Their life can be altered for decades, sending them to prison or being sentenced to death for a crime that they did not commit. The Carlos DeLuna case is an example of this and how system variables (line-up types and foil presentation), and estimator variables (lighting and distance) influence eyewitness memory. Two major estimator variables investigated in the current study include WFE and race-ethnic stereotypes and their effects on line-up task performance and the possible influence of cultural differences. Participants will view a one-minute mock crime with either a Hispanic/Latino or a White non-Hispanic perpetrator, using a weapon or no weapon, wearing stereotype or non-stereotype clothing (partial replication of Pickel et al (2017). We predict that false alarm rates will be greater for white perpetrator conditions, and higher rates of correct rejection and correct identification in Hispanic conditions.
Recommended Citation
Santillan Ibarra, Maria, "Weapon Focus Effect on a Hispanic/Latinx Population" (2025). Student Research Symposium 2025. 23.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/srs_2025/23
Comments
1:00-2:00 p.m.
BLH 366
Studies in Psychology & Criminology
Thiya Mukherjee, Moderator