With regard to Wells' distinction between system variables and estimator variables,which of the following is not a system variable in eyewitnessidentification?
A)Eyewitness interviews
B)Police lineups
C)Suspect's race
D)Showups

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The suspect's race is not a system variable in eyewitness identification as it is not a characteristic of the identification process itself. Rather, it is an external factor that may influence the identification process. System variables are those factors that the justice system can control and manipulate to improve the accuracy of eyewitness identification, whereas estimator variables are those factors that cannot be controlled by the justice system. Eyewitness interviews, police lineups, and showups are all examples of system variables as they are part of the identification process and can be controlled by the justice system.

With Regard to Wells' Distinction Between System Variables and Estimator