Many estimator variables that have been studied are related to time.

However, in one quarter of cases, estimator variables will still lead to incorrect decisions.

Complex interactions may exist among the numerous estimator variables.

However, if several estimator variables are combined, could identification accuracy be successfully postdicted?

Research on eyewitness testimony looks at systematic variables or estimator variables.

Finally, even the worst combinations of estimator variables will not permit the conclusion that the identification is inaccurate.

Estimator variables are characteristics of the witness, event, testimony, or testimony evaluators.

A third question which has been the major theme in the investigation of estimator variables, is how well these variables postdict accuracy.

However, as more estimator variables are not conducive to accuracy, serious reductions in the probability of accuracy may occur.

If one is forced to rely on estimator variables, decision time and lineup fairness combined can correctly identify 76.3% of choosers as accurate or inaccurate.

"Estimator variables" (circumstantial factors)

Estimator variables change from case to case such that a unique combination of factors will be present in any given trial or even across witnesses within a trial.

However, to the extent that the legal system will continue to rely on estimator variables, research in the area should focus on finding variables that can postdict accuracy independently of measures of decision time.

An early distinction was made between variables that influence the accuracy of identification but are beyond the control of the criminal justice system (estimator variables) and those that can be controlled (system variables, Wells, 1978).

Consideration of, or testimony about, estimator variables will be most appropriate when "common sense" leads the trier of fact to anticipate the effects of relevant estimator variables to be different from their actual effects.

Social scientists have also identified a set of "estimator variables"-that is, factors connected to the witness herself or to the circumstances surrounding her observation of the individual she would later attempt to identify-that research has shown to make an identification more or less reliable.