We’ve been to the scene of a crime and we’ve found a witness or two to take statements from.
But… how reliable are your witnesses?
In reality, very often, if you have several witnesses, there will be differences between their accounts. People focus on different aspects of the incident as they view it, as it occurs to them, as their involvement differs. So, when writing, remember that not everyone will be saying the same thing. Not exactly, anyway.
And, to prove this point, just watch the below video.
How did you do?
Did you spot it or were you completely oblivious?
It’s a strange phenomenon, isn’t it? How, if you’re focusing on one thing, you can completely miss another. The reality is that if someone points a gun at you, you would probably not be able to describe the person behind the gun (if you didn’t previously know them) because all of your mental focus is aimed at the weapon that is capable of wiping out your life and is pointed in your direction.
I love this video. I’d love to hear how you did.
Rebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who now writes the DI Hannah Robbins crime novels set in Nottingham, UK.
Margot Kinberg says
That’s the thing about witnesses, Rebecca. Even when they’re not deliberately lying, they may be mistaken. Or, they may simply not have noticed something. Or, they may have thought they noticed something that wasn’t really there. Crime writers can use that to their advantage, but for real police, it can be a nightmare trying to get actual facts, I would guess.
Rebecca Bradley says
Real police try to get witness statements as quickly as possible so the event is still fresh in their minds. But it doesn’t mean it’s a correct event!
Marina Sofia says
Ha, I use that example all the time… but you know what is interesting – younger people are better at spotting the background things than adults. It’s just that they don’t always have the words to accurately describe what they see.
Rebecca Bradley says
Isn’t it weird how our brains work? And how they change. I find this fascinating.
Jacqui says
I like this test. I failed it years ago when I tried it. Now, of course, I see what I’m looking for!
Rebecca Bradley says
I failed this when I first watched it. I was horrified that I had. I was supposed to be observant!
Lynne LeGrow says
Cool test. I’m ashamed to say that I only counted 13, so was 2 short. I think I missed the first couple. Anyway, this indeed proves the point that our supposed accurate recollections are not as true as we might think.
Rebecca Bradley says
But, did you spot the gorilla??
Claire says
There is a course on Future Learn that is coming up next month i think, on Forensic Psychology which all being well I will be able to stick longer than the other courses I have attempted…
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope the course went well! I love Future Learn. It’s been a while since I did a course, but I have done a couple.
debbie says
go for it Claire. I have done this course and it is brilliant, Rebecca you are fantastic. These are all the things I have been looking to research for my crime novel. Thank you so much.
BW
Debbie
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks, Debbie. I’m glad you are enjoying these posts! 🙂