NCJ Number
94751
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1984) Pages: 283-291
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The attitude-memory issue (whether people selectively recall information that supports their opinion) was tested in relation to information on and opinions about capital punishment.
Abstract
Seventy-seven volunteers were given an attitude questionnaire dealing with various aspects of the criminal justice system. Embedded in the questionnaire was the key question regarding capital punishment. Subjects also were given a newspaper summarizing research on the deterrent effects of the death penalty. After reading a second article that served as an interpolated task, the subjects tried to write down everything they remembered from the death penalty article. Further experiments explored selective recall. Subjects displayed a bias recalling information supporting their beliefs. This was particularly true for those holding the most extreme attitudes. Results partially explain why public support for the death penalty remained constant over the past few years. Information in the media may have little impact because people selectively recall data. The research suggests that the influence of opinions upon memory must be considered when examining the nature of strong public beliefs about important social issues such as capital punishment. Twenty-one references are appended.