NCJ Number
86282
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1982) Pages: 318-333
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study experimentally investigated the claim of Thibaut and Walker that criminal courtroom proceedings are subject to pervasive recency effects.
Abstract
It reviewed previous research on order effects in a legal setting and argued that this research fails to provide adequate simulation of courtroom protocol. An experiment was designed to retain the structure of a criminal trial while manipulating witness and testimony order. In contrast to earlier research, primacy effects were found. The greatest number of guilty verdicts by simulated jurors occurred when the strongest 'guilty' witnesses and 'guilty' testimony by these witnesses came first. These results are discussed with respect to witness and testimony order, length of cases, and type of case discussed. Tables, figures, and about 30 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)