PSY328H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Social Proof
Document Summary
Chapter 13: juries and judges as decision makers. The jury decision-making process: can either use mathematical models or story models, mm: look at each piece of evidence holding a certain weight, story models is defined as a causal chain of events. The impact of evidence: the strength of evidence relevant to the charge was the strongest predictor of whether the defendant was found guilty or not guilty. Defendant characteristics if a very attractive defendant uses his or her attractiveness to commit a crime juror take attractiveness into account and hand down more severe sentences: people tend to treat defendants of their own race more leniently. Jurors also take into account how much defendant has already suffered for his crimes (e. g. badly injured) they are more lenient. Impeachment evidence: evidence meant to damage the credibility of a witness"s statements: another suggestion is reactance theory: ppl are motivated to maintain their freedom. Strong jurors and the power of the majority.
