1. Lesson Frame
We will define observation and discuss the characteristics that make a good observer.
I will be able to describe the limitations of eyewitness testimony.

2. Power of Observation
Video Experiment

3. Problem
A man is on trial for robbing a convenience store, and several witnesses report seeing him at the scene. During the trial, the defense sets up an experiment to discredit the eye-witness testimony. See how you do on this experiment.

4. Experimental Video
While you are watching this movie, count the number of times the team in white passes the ball to each other.
Count silently to yourself and make no comments during the movie.

5. Movie Debriefing

6. Background
Video was made as part of an experiment designed to test people’s “inattentional blindness”
In the original study at Harvard, only 42% of the people noticed the gorilla walking through the scene
This activity illustrates the unreliability of eye-witness testimony

7. Whodunnit? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA
During the video determine who killed Lord Smythe.

8. Witnesses vs. Physical Evidence
Most witnesses do not intentionally lie on the witness stand
Human observation is limited by memory, suggestion, and interpretation
Memories can be confused or altered, but physical evidence stays the same

9. What is “observation”?
Observation is defined as what a person perceives using his or her senses.
Perception is interpreting information that is received from the senses.
Information from our senses
What we pay attention to
Perception
Short-term memory
Long-term memory

10. Spot the Difference

11. Problem
You’ve discovered a problem with the crime scene photos from a recent case. Someone has tampered with the crime scene. See how many differences you can spot between the two photographs of the same crime scene.

12. How many differences can you spot?

13. Did you find 5 differences?

14. How to Be a Good Observer
To be a good observer, we must make a conscious effort to examine our surroundings systematically.
Turn off filters and observe EVERYTHING, no matter how big or small.
Be careful to concentrate on gathering everything present, without jumping to conclusions about what may have happened.
Know that memory is faulty, write down and photograph everything.

15. Problem
You were the principle crime scene investigator on a case two years ago.
It is now time for you to testify in court about your findings.
The defense attorney challenges the accuracy of your testimony and implies that you observational skills are not so great.

16. If he can show the jury you are not good at spotting details, he might have a chance of getting his client off.
It is often the case in real life situations that the credibility of expert witness testimony is challenged.
The thoroughness with which they do their jobs is critical.

17. Can you prove your observational skills are excellent?

18. You have 15 seconds to memorize the picture below.

19. Memory Quiz In your notebook, number your paper from 1-10.
Answer each of the following questions based on the previous slide.

20. 1. What color coffee mug was in the picture?
Blue
Red
Yellow
White

21. 2. When was the deadline?
Yesterday
Tomorrow
Today
Oct. 19

22. 3. What time was on the clock on the wall?
10:40
7:20
5:38
11:05

23. 4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard?3 6 7 8

24. 5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture?
Stapler
Printer
Trash can
Pen

25. 6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk?
Steve
Brian
David
Jeff

26. 7. What color was the victim’s shirt?
White
Blue
Red
Green

27. 8. How many plants were in the picture?1 2 3

28. 9. Which of the following was on the floor?
Coffee mug
Plant
Cardboard box
Backpack

29. 10. Where was the book in the picture?
On the box
On the desk
On the floor
Under the body

30. Answers
Yellow
Today
11:05 6
Stapler
Brian
Blue 2
Backpack
On the box

31. How emotions affect observation
Our emotional state influences our ability to sense what is happening around us.
If people are upset, happy, depressed, or relaxed they are more likely not to notice their surroundings.
Anxiety plays a role in our ability to observe our surroundings- when we are nervous or anxious we pay more attention to our environment.

32. Exit Ticket
Write 2-3 sentences describing the limitations of eyewitness testimony. Be sure to relate it to observation skills.