Author Identifier
Date of Award
2024
Keywords
body-worn cameras, retrieval-induced forgetting, recall accuracy, police memory, eyewitness memory, retrieval-practice paradigm, police documentation, policing policy, memory aids
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
School
School of Arts and Humanities
First Supervisor
Pamela Henry 
0000-0001-5577-8301
Second Supervisor
Nikki Rajakaruna 0000-0002-0725-1617
Abstract
Despite the integration of body-worn cameras (BWCs) into frontline policing and the endorsement of BWC footage review by officers before reporting, empirical support for this practice is limited. This study explored whether BWC footage functions as a memory aid to improve recall accuracy and whether BWC review triggers retrieval-induced forgetting (i.e., where recalling specific items from memory impairs the recall of related but non-retrieved items). Specifically, it was hypothesised that BWC footage review would not significantly improve recall accuracy. Additionally, it was expected that participants exposed to BWC footage and retrieval practice (i.e., repeated retrieval of details of an observed incident) would experience greater retrieval-induced forgetting than those who only engaged in retrieval practice without BWC exposure. A convenience sample (student and community; N = 165) was randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions, varying by retrieval practice (yes/no) and exposure type (stimulus only/stimulus and BWC). Participants watched a 3-minute video depicting a verbal altercation between two drivers before completing recall tasks. An independent samples t-test found that BWC footage review did not significantly improve recall accuracy. Contrary to the hypothesis and existing literature, a 2x2 mixed methods ANOVA found that no retrieval-induced forgetting was observed in either retrieval practice condition. Findings suggest that BWC footage may not inherently improve recall accuracy in police reporting nor contribute to retrieval-induced forgetting in this context.
Recommended Citation
Bradfield, K. (2024). Examining retrieval-induced forgetting and recall accuracy after body-worn camera footage review. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/3vyj-sa75