Evan Murphy

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Cottrell, Catherine

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The present study looked to investigate the effects of cognitive load and evidence type on juror decision making. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six conditions in a 2 (high cognitive load, low cognitive load) x 3 (animation evidence, written evidence, oral evidence) factorial design and tasked with being a mock juror in a case of misdemeanor reckless driving. Participants received one piece of evidence and were asked to make decisions of guilt. After their own decision was made, they were informed that the jury of 12 had found the defendant guilty and they were tasked with recommending a punishment in the form of a fine and jail sentence. Participants were also asked about the confidence in their decision and the effectiveness of the evidence presented to them. Results showed that despite containing the same information and perspective, animation evidence differed from written and oral evidence in guilty verdicts, recommended punishment, confidence in verdict, and feelings of effective evidence. However, no significant evidence was found to conclude that cognitive load played a role in mock juror decision making. Limitations, future directions, and implications for the legal system are discussed.

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