Date Approved
10-28-2011
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Applied Psychology and Professional Mental Health Counseling
Department
Psychology
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
Gaer, Eleanor
Subject(s)
Evidence, Expert; Verdicts
Disciplines
Psychiatric and Mental Health
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of expert witness testimony on juror verdicts. We, further, assessed whether there would be a difference in the relative influence of MDs and PhD expert witnesses. Undergraduate and graduate students served as mock jurors and were presented with an insanity case which either (a) a PhD testified for the defense and a MD testified for the prosecution or (b) an MD testified for the defense and a PhD testified for the prosecution. After analysis of verdicts, an Insanity Defense Attitudes Survey, and specific witness credibility evaluations indicated no bias toward MD's, except for the PhD-defense/MD-prosecution condition. Implications for other case factors that combine to affect jurors' verdicts are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Gandy-Smith, La Shonine, "The effects of expert witness testimony on juror verdict: psychiatry versus psychology" (2011). Theses and Dissertations. 48.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/48
