Publication Date
2012
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Cheryl Meyer (Committee Chair), Leon Vandecreek (Committee Member), Julie Williams (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
Individuals are bombarded with stereotypes every day in the United States. It is impossible to eliminate the effect of these stereotypes in any situation; however, the criminal justice system strives to find ways to minimize the impact of these stereotypes in the courtroom. In this study, the effects of socioeconomic status and attractiveness of a female defendant on sentencing severity, perceived recidivism, and deservedness of punishment in a murder trial were examined. The study was also designed to investigate how jurors may engage in cognitive processes such as motivated reasoning when biases are pointed out to them. Attractiveness and socioeconomic status did not affect sentencing severity, perceived recidivism, or deservedness of punishment. However, several general trends were evident indicating that females and Caucasians may be harsher in their sentencing overall, though results were not significant. Jurors did engage in motivated reasoning when they were confronted with their biases. In fact, to moderate cognitive dissonance that arises from that awareness, participants altered their ratings of socioeconomic status for the defendant. A more evenly distributed gender pool may enhance the study and findings.
Page Count
61
Department or Program
School of Professional Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2013
Copyright
Copyright 2012, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
