Examining the cross-race effect in lineup identification using Caucasian and First Nations samples

Luke B. Jackiw, University of Regina
Katherine D. Arbuthnott, University of Regina
Jeffrey E. Pfeifer, University of Regina
Jessica L. Marcon, University of Texas at El Paso
Christian A. Meissner, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

This study examined whether findings from research on the cross-race effect (CRE) in eyewitness memory with Caucasian/Black samples can be generalized to Caucasian/First Nations pairings in a lineup identification task. This study used a novel approach to investigate the CRE, using 6 targets, as well as simultaneous lineups that included both target present (TP) and target absent (TA) arrays. This study also addressed the efficacy of the contact hypothesis as it applies to these populations. A significant CRE was discovered. Furthermore, both Caucasian and First Nations participants were more likely to choose from the lineup when attempting to recognize First Nations faces than when attempting to recognize Caucasian faces. Contact with the other race had no effect on recognition accuracy of that race. Potential implications and directions for future research are discussed.