Potential jurors' opinions on the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness identification: a brief communication

The present study examined a selected group of potential jurors' opinions on the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness identification and testimony. A group of 78 undergraduate psychology and optometry students completed a 2-part multiple choice questionnaire. The first part assessed Ss' knowledge of several issues concerning eyewitness testimony. The second part of the questionnaire contained 11 items which assessed Ss' beliefs and expectations concerning the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness identification and testimony. It was found that Ss' opinions on the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness testimony and identification were at odds with current empirical findings. These results, in accord with the previous literature, suggest that it is imperative that the courts be informed of the use of hypnosis during police work and that adequate precautions be taken to avoid a potential source of miscarriage of justice.