Abstract
Lineups should contain known-innocent individuals (fillers) who resemble the suspect. Two common filler selection methods are: the match-to-suspect method, where fillers are selected based on perceived similarity to the suspect; and the match-to-description method, where fillers are selected based on how closely they match the culprit description. This systematic review sought to examine how the match-to-description method has been implemented since it was first proposed and revealed the match-to-description method has been operationalised in various ways. Meta-analytic techniques were used to investigate how filler selection method impacts lineup outcomes. Results revealed the odds of making a suspect identification, both guilty and innocent suspect, are higher in lineups created using the match-to-description method than the match-to-suspect method. Results also revealed lineup construction method did not impact discriminability. However, the small number of studies directly comparing the methods limits our ability to draw conclusions. Thus, highlighting the need for high-powered, pre-registered research.