Date of Award
5-4-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Psychological Science, MS
First Advisor
Christopher Peters
Committee Members
David Saarnio; Jessica Curtis
Call Number
LD251.A566t 2018 H58
Abstract
Research shows that graphic evidence in the form of visual photographs leads to an increase in guilty verdicts, but other presentation formats, such as auditory (e.g. 911 calls), have not been thoroughly examined. With the technological advances today, it is important to study the effects of modernized evidence. The current research examines the effects of presentation format of evidence (visual or auditory) and evidence content (graphic or nongraphic) on juror opinions regarding the likelihood of defendant guilt. In the four-condition study, 222 participants read an identical trial summary and examined relevant evidence. Results showed that regardless of presentation format, graphic evidence resulted in more guilty verdicts. This suggests that courts should consider graphic evidence cautiously. The present findings can help the justice system gain a better perspective on what type of evidence sways the jury and develop safeguards to prevent admissibility of prejudicial evidence in court.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Olivia Katherine, "Jury Decision Making & Graphic Evidence: The Effects of Auditory vs. Visual Presentation" (2018). Student Theses and Dissertations. 517.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/517
