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The effect of Denial of the Victim and Benevolence Arguments in a Simulated Investigative Interview on Attribution of Blame

Mitić, Nina (2023) The effect of Denial of the Victim and Benevolence Arguments in a Simulated Investigative Interview on Attribution of Blame.

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Abstract:To gather evidence in cases of Control and Coercion, suspect interviews become critical. However, suspect may use influencing behavior to mislead the interviewer. This study tested whether Denial of the Victim and Benevolence arguments have an effect on attributions of blame towards the suspect and victim. Suspects may use Denial of the Victim to argue that the victim’s bad character provoked the alleged behavior of the suspect. Benevolence may be used to argue that the suspect is someone who would not engage in the alleged behavior. Further, it was tested whether Denial of the Victim and Benevolence affect perceived guilt, seriousness of crime, credibility of the suspect and victim, and suggested punishment. Finally, moderation analyses tested whether Belief in a Just World and Ambivalent Sexism have an effect on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Participants completed a questionnaire after reading a case description and investigative interview script. The main findings were that Benevolence decreased internal attributions of blame to the suspect, and decreased how serious the crime is perceived to be. Further, exploratory analyses showed that Hostile Sexism increases the internal attribution of blame to the victim that participants hold when Denial of the Victim was used.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94806
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