Face‐Recognition Memory: Implications for Children's Eyewitness Testimony

Abstract

In this paper we review studies pertaining to face‐recognition memory and attempt to derive implications for assessing the dependability of children's performances as eyewitnesses. The small amount of data concerning children's performances in either identification parades or in laboratory face memory studies is reviewed; a somewhat more extensive, but still modest, literature concerning the performance of adults in these same contexts is examined in an attempt to draw useful generalizations about face recognition applicable to children. Throughout, we identify important developmental questions for future research.