NCJ Number
140506
Journal
Journal of Social Psychology Volume: 132 Issue: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 525- 537
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A sample of 57 female and 41 male university students enrolled in psychology and sociology courses participated in a study to examine the effects of expressed versus denied intent and remorse on the evaluation of a convicted rapist.
Abstract
The volunteers watched a 5-minute videotaped interview with a rapist and evaluated him on the rapist's and rape victim's responsibility for the rape, the seriousness of the crime, and the rapist's potential for rehabilitation. Participants indicated the length of prison sentence they felt the rapist should receive. The findings confirmed earlier research in that the rapist was evaluated more negatively and received a longer sentence when expressing rather than denying intent and was evaluated more favorably when expressing rather than denying remorse. While expressions of remorse did not significantly manipulate the recommended prison sentence, there was a correlation between recommended sentence and the participants' perception of the rapist's remorse. A multiple regression analysis showed associations between recommended prison sentence and attributions of cause, intent, and remorse. The study contributed to the understanding of responsibility, accountability, and excuse giving. 3 tables