Abstract
Several factors influence the reliability of eyewitness identification evidence. Typically, recognition for same-race faces
is better than for different-race faces (the own-race bias), and alcohol intoxication decreases overall face recognition accuracy.
This research investigated how alcohol intoxication influences the own-race bias. Asian and European participants completed
tests of recognition memory for Asian and European faces when either mildly intoxicated (mean breath alcohol concentration
of .05) or when sober. Compared to their sober counterparts, intoxicated participants showed a reduced own-race bias. Specifically,
alcohol intoxication had a larger negative effect on the recognition of same-race faces compared to different-race faces.
The legal and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
is better than for different-race faces (the own-race bias), and alcohol intoxication decreases overall face recognition accuracy.
This research investigated how alcohol intoxication influences the own-race bias. Asian and European participants completed
tests of recognition memory for Asian and European faces when either mildly intoxicated (mean breath alcohol concentration
of .05) or when sober. Compared to their sober counterparts, intoxicated participants showed a reduced own-race bias. Specifically,
alcohol intoxication had a larger negative effect on the recognition of same-race faces compared to different-race faces.
The legal and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10979-009-9204-x
- Authors
- Kirin F. Hilliar, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Richard I. Kemp, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Thomas F. Denson, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Journal Law and Human Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-661X
- Print ISSN 0147-7307
- Journal Volume Volume 34
- Journal Issue Volume 34, Number 5