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OCR A-Level Psychology > Dixon > Flashcards

Flashcards in Dixon Deck (9)
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1
Q

Aim?

A

To investigate the effects of regional accent, race, and crime type on attributions of guilt.

2
Q

Sample?

A

The 119 participants were all psychology students from the University of Worcester, with a mean age of 25.years.

3
Q

Method?

A
  • Lab experiment with factorial design
  • IV - Accent (Birmingham/standard), Race, and type of crime (armed robbery/cheque fraud)
  • DV - participants attributions of guilt
4
Q

Procedure?

A

The participants listened to a 2-minute recorded transcript (based on a real case) and were asked to rate the suspect’s level of guilt from ‘innocent’ to ‘guilty’, measured on a 7-point rating scale. In all conditions, the conversation was between a middle-aged male police inspector and a young male suspect.

5
Q

Results?

A

The Brummie accent was rated as more guilty than other suspects.
There was also an interaction between Brummie accent/black suspect/blue collar worker, with significantly higher guilt findings for this combination of variables.

6
Q

Conclusions?

A

A range of psychological factors can influence perception of a suspect’s guilt including accent, race and type of crime

7
Q

How can Dixon be used to improve the court system?

A
  • External factors impact jurors verdict - advise defendants

- accent - have someone else read out statement

8
Q

Ethical considerations?

A

+ confidentiality
- right to withdraw
+ Informed consent
- Social sensitivity/psychological harm

9
Q

How can it be applied to improving jury decision-making?

A
  • Hide victim
  • Have someone else read statement
  • Advise defendants