The vast majority of theses in this collection are open access and freely available. There are a small number of theses that have access restricted to the WWU campus. For off-campus access to a thesis labeled "Campus Only Access," please log in here with your WWU universal ID, or talk to your librarian about requesting the restricted thesis through interlibrary loan.

Date Permissions Signed

2-1-2013

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Devenport, Jennifer

Second Advisor

Jantzen, McNeel

Third Advisor

Trimble, Joseph E.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of MRI-based evidence on juror perceptions of guilt in a criminal case. Jury eligible undergraduates read one of three mock trial summaries of a murder case wherein MRI evidence was manipulated: (1) MRI evidence with accompanying neuroimages, (2) MRI evidence without accompanying brain images, or (3) no MRI evidence. The proportion of guilty verdicts rendered was statistically similar across all conditions. In addition, participants did not list MRI evidence as the most influential piece of evidence for their verdict. Based on the results of this study it appears that MRI-based evidence and neuroimages do not significantly influence the juror decision making processes. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/62ph-f196

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

828151133

Subject – LCSH

Jury--Decision making; Verdicts--Psychological aspects; Jurors--Psychology; Magnetic resonance imaging

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

Download

Share

COinS