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Snitching, Lies, And Computer Crashes: An Experimental Investigation Of Secondary Confessions, Jessica K. Swanner, Denise Beike, Alexander T. Cole
Snitching, Lies, And Computer Crashes: An Experimental Investigation Of Secondary Confessions, Jessica K. Swanner, Denise Beike, Alexander T. Cole
Jessica K Swanner
Two laboratory studies with 332 student participants investigated secondary confessions (provided by an informant instead of the suspect). Participants allegedly caused or witnessed a simulated computer crash, then were asked to give primary or secondary confessions during interrogation. Study 1 replicated the false evidence effect for primary confessions. Secondary confessions were obtained at a high rate, which was increased by false evidence in combination with incentive to confess. In Study 2 a confederate either confessed to or denied crashing the computer. Incentive increased the rate of secondary confession only in the presence of a denial; that is, incentive increased the …
The Effects Of Accomplice Witnesses And Jailhouse Informants On Jury Decision Making, Jeffrey S. Neuschatz, Deah S. Quinlivan, Jessica K. Swanner, Christian A. Meissner, Joseph S. Neuschatz
The Effects Of Accomplice Witnesses And Jailhouse Informants On Jury Decision Making, Jeffrey S. Neuschatz, Deah S. Quinlivan, Jessica K. Swanner, Christian A. Meissner, Joseph S. Neuschatz
Jessica K Swanner
The present study presents one of the first investigations of the effects of accomplice witnesses and jailhouse informants on jury decision-making. Across two experiments, participants read a trial transcript that included either a secondary confession from an accomplice witness, a jailhouse informant, a member of the community or a no confession control. In half of the experimental trial transcripts, the participants were made aware that the cooperating witness providing the secondary confession was given an incentive to testify. The results of both experiments revealed that information about the cooperating witness’ incentive (e.g., leniency or reward) did not affect participants’ verdict …