Perceptions of Crime and Sentencing

Chanel Lawrence

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: MA.FORENSIC-PSY

Faculty Research Mentor: Doyle, Christine  

Abstract:

AbstractThe media plays a major role in swaying the public's opinion, especially since people consume different types of media that present information in different ways. This research explores whether the inclusion of mental-health and childhood trauma information in a news-style crime article influences sentencing recommendations made by the public. To look at how this information influences opinions, participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 surveys through Qualtrics. One group will read a news-style article describing a fictional murder that includes information about the defendant’s mental-health diagnoses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as a history of childhood trauma, while the 2nd group will read the same article with that information replaced by an unrelated community update. After reading the article, participants will respond to questions assessing perceived criminal responsibility, recommended punishment severity, likelihood of reoffending, and general attitudes toward the defendant. Additional questions, including demographic information and extent of prior exposure to mental-health or criminal justice topics will also be asked. Participants will be asked to acknowledge consent electronically by hitting a radio button and will be given a debrief at the conclusion of the study.keywords: media, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sentencing