McQuiston-Surrett, D., Malpass, R. S., & Tredoux, C. G. (2006). Sequential vs. simultaneous lineups: A review of methods, data, and theory. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 12, 147-169.
The authors discuss the background of simultaneous and sequential lineups and present information about the sequential lineup generally being accepted by the research community. The authors stated that 81% of experts tended to be in agreement concerning the superiority of the sequential lineup. The authors expressed concerns about the Steblay meta-analysis and wanted to further examine the literature due to the potential policy implications that result from this line of research.
A meta-analysis of 37 research articles involving simultaneous and sequential lineups was conducted. The researchers examined a variety of variables, including confounding variables and moderator variables of simultaneous and sequential lineups. Issues arose concerning studies that underreported information about similarity of foils and counterbalancing of lineup photographs. They found that backloading and asking one versus multiple questions were confounding variables because they are rarely equated in both lineup procedures. Backloading is the process of presenting more filler photographs behind the actual photographs, even if this is done only by implication. In simultaneous lineups, a more general question is asked about all of the photographs, but sequential lineups have a question about whether each photograph is the perpetrator for every photograph. Zimmerman et al. (2006) found that when these two procedures are equated, the superiority effect tended to disappear.
Similarity, laboratory ID, stopping rule, and counterbalancing of photographs were found to be moderator variables. High similarity of lineup members tend to reduce correct identifications in sequential lineups, but counterbalancing was found to be the strongest moderator variable in the analysis. When lineups are not counterbalanced, there is no advantage found for correct identifications from simultaneous lineups. However, this advantage is found when the lineup is counterbalanced. Also, when a strict stopping rule is employed in study designs, the superiority effect also disappears. The authors also discussed how the differences that have been found with simultaneous and sequential lineups may vary with study methodology.
The authors discuss information on the relative and absolute decision processes that are thought to underlie decisions from simultaneous and sequential lineups. However, they also bring up the idea that these decision processes can be examined from other theories, including signal detection theory. The authors advocate the position that the decision processes underlying simultaneous and sequential lineups are not well understood, and further research should be conducted to examine these issues. They also argue that the research involving sequential lineups may not be developed enough to advocate the implementation of it in real-world settings.
By HC
Lineup administration is a very interesting topic for me. The three articles that I chose for the class to read I hope demonstrate some of the issues surrounding simultaneous and sequential lineups. The sequential superiority effect, issues surrounding target-to-foil shifts in without replacement designs, and the use of PC_Eyewitness were all part of the readings and illustrate some of the difficulties surrounding lineup administration.
As far as PC_Eyewitness goes, I believe that this program can be used to help police officers. As demonstrated in the readings, it was found that there are no real differences between this program and paper and pencil administration of lineups. The technology also allows for more control in the lineup, such as blind administration. Police departments also can use the program to suit their needs in their particular jurisdiction. I thought it was important that the students become exposed to some of the other ways that research can be conducted regarding lineups.
As far as the meta-analysis and the Clark and Davey article, I think they are getting at the issue that we still do not have a good handle on what is going on as far as decision processes go regarding simultaneous and sequential lineups. We have done research involving both lineups and conditions surrounding them, but more research needs to be conducted to get at the underlying decision processes involving lineups. Foil similarity is a variable that seems to influence decisions in lineups. The without-replacement design also helps examine what happens to participants’ responses when the perpetrator is completely removed from the lineup. The meta-analysis seemed to be highlighting that many moderator variables affect the differences between the lineup types.
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