LE3 .A278 2006

2006

Potter, Susan

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

The purpose of this research was to explore the influences of the gender of mock jurors, and the gender and age of plaintiffs, on juror verdicts in cases involving recovery of repressed memories. The impact of personal attitudes and beliefs regarding childhood sexual abuse and adolescent sexuality on verdicts was also investigated. Participants consisted of 524 jury-eligible individuals. Each participant read one of four fictional trial summaries in which alleged victim age and plaintiff gender were manipulated. Participants rendered verdicts in favour of either the plaintiff or defendant, rated plaintiff and defendant truthfulness, and indicated the amount of compensation they would offer the plaintiff. One week later, jurors completed attitudinal questionnaires. Results indicated that females are more sympathetic to alleged victims than males (as reflected in more favourable verdicts and compensation for the plaintiff). Findings also suggest that a gender bias exists among male jurors; specifically, malesoffered more compensation to female victims than to male victims, whereas female jurors offered similar amounts to both male and female victims. Juror attitudes were found to account for gender differences in the amount of compensation provided to victims and ratings of female plaintiff truthfulness. Implications for future research are discussed.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2950