The Impact of State and Trait Anger on Processing of Evidential Inconsistencies. Issue 4 (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Semmler, Carolyn; Hurst, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry, psychology, and law. Volume 24:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 594
• Page End: 604
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: inconsistencies -- juror decision making -- state anger -- trait anger; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mentally ill offenders -- Periodicals; 345.9404
• DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2016.1258686
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1321-8719

Abstract

Abstract : The courtroom can be an emotional place, and these emotions may impact on a juror's ability to process and evaluate evidence. This study investigated the effects of mock-jurors' state and trait anger on the detection of evidential inconsistencies. Community members eligible for jury duty ( N = 123) were randomly assigned to hear one of four audio trials differing in evidence consistency and emotion-inducing content. State anger increased endorsement of guilty verdicts, and angry mock-jurors were more careful processors of evidence, detecting more inconsistencies and recalling significantly more trial details. The results lend support to motivational theories of emotional influence on information processing.