Context, Cognition and Convictions: Examining Analytic Versus Holistic Thinking in Police Lineup Identifications

Author

• Ellie L. Cotten, University of ChichesterFollow
• Benjamin Terry Sharpe Dr, Univerisity of ChichesterFollow
• Roy Spina, University of ChichesterFollow

Volume

32

Number

2

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Date

2026

Abstract

Eyewitnesses have a significant impact on decisions made by the criminal justice system, and incorrect identifications are a leading cause of unjust convictions. Although many studies have examined the effects of individuals' cognitive approaches (analytic versus holistic) on object recognition, little research has explored these effects in relation to facial recognition. Moreover, no research has explored this phenomenon within the context of police lineup procedures. The aim of this study was to address these gaps and investigate whether there are effects of holism and background condition on identification accuracy and confidence in police lineup procedures. Participants (N = 254) watched a short mock crime video, completed a stimulus triads task to measure holistic tendency, and were randomised into one of three background conditions (no background, different visual perspective of background, same background) before completing an online lineup procedure. ANOVAs found no significant main effects of background condition, holism group, or an interaction between both on identification accuracy. Additionally, there was no significant main effect of background condition on identification confidence. However, a simple linear regression demonstrated a significant negative linear relationship between holism scores and identification confidence. Despite only one of five hypotheses being accepted, this study addresses a neglected area in the current body of literature and suggests practical implications and applications. Strengths and limitations, in addition to suggestions for further research, are discussed.

Keyword

eyewitness, analytic, holistic, lineup, identification, accuracy, confidence.

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Recommended Citation

Cotten, Ellie L.; Sharpe, Benjamin Terry Dr; and Spina, Roy (2026) "Context, Cognition and Convictions: Examining Analytic Versus Holistic Thinking in Police Lineup Identifications," Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 32: No. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol32/iss2/5