Chapter 10 - Case Studies, Criminality

Question 0

Sigall and Ostrove 1975: attractiveness and jury judging

Answer 0

Attractiveness affected jury decision making?
Relationship between attractiveness and crime committed?
Strengths:
Control groups used to show whether the photos affect the decision or not
Good controls - given same instructions and cases to read
Weaknesses:
Not realistic
Jury’s only decide on whether they’re guilty or not

Question 1

Theilgaard 1984: the criminal gene

Answer 1

See if criminals had a particular gene that could be responsible for their behaviour
Strengths:
All interviews were conducted by an independent social worker
Used a vast range of tests
Weaknesses:
Only a small sample
It’s only a correlation

Question 2

Mason 2004: self fulfilling prophecy and drinking behaviour

Answer 2

If parents expectations effect their child’s drinking habits
Strengths:
Large sample
Gives a strong warning to parents about their negative beliefs
Weaknesses:
Parents might not influence their behaviour might just be accurate
Social desirability bias