Which factor can influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimony?

Stress levels during the event can significantly influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimony because high-stress situations often impact an individual's ability to accurately perceive and recall details. When individuals experience intense stress or fear, their cognitive function can be affected, leading to distorted or fragmented memories. Additionally, during stressful events, a person's attention may narrow, which could result in the overlooking of critical details or misinterpretation of what they see. This phenomenon is well-documented in psychological studies showing that stress can impair memory encoding and retrieval processes.

Other factors, such as media coverage, time of day, and distance from the crime scene, might also play roles in shaping perceptions or recollections, but the immediate psychological impact of stress during the event has a more direct effect on eyewitness reliability. Understanding the influence of stress on memory is crucial for those working in forensics, as it can lead to more accurate interpretations of witness testimonies.