Simultaneous v. sequential lineups: What do we really know?

Both conceptual and metaanalyses of the effects of simultaneous and sequential lineup testing procedures on false alarm and hit rates suggest that recent interest in moving to sequential lineups might be premature. A simple criterion-shift model based on signal detection analysis accounted for the results from the metaanalysis raising concern that the previously accepted relative v. absolute decision strategy view may be incorrect. The accepted view that hit rates will be unaffected by a change in procedure may be incorrect. Monte Carlo simulation results raise the possibility that serial position might play a much larger and more complicated role in performance on sequential lineups than has been considered. Much more research is needed before the sequential procedure is adopted.