Dixon

Question 1

Aim?

Answer 1

To investigate the effects of regional accent, race, and crime type on attributions of guilt.

Question 2

Sample?

Answer 2

The 119 participants were all psychology students from the University of Worcester, with a mean age of 25.years.

Question 3

Method?

Answer 3

• Lab experiment with factorial design
• IV - Accent (Birmingham/standard), Race, and type of crime (armed robbery/cheque fraud)
• DV - participants attributions of guilt

Question 4

Procedure?

Answer 4

The participants listened to a 2-minute recorded transcript (based on a real case) and were asked to rate the suspect’s level of guilt from ‘innocent’ to ‘guilty’, measured on a 7-point rating scale. In all conditions, the conversation was between a middle-aged male police inspector and a young male suspect.

Question 5

Results?

Answer 5

The Brummie accent was rated as more guilty than other suspects.
There was also an interaction between Brummie accent/black suspect/blue collar worker, with significantly higher guilt findings for this combination of variables.

Question 6

Conclusions?

Answer 6

A range of psychological factors can influence perception of a suspect’s guilt including accent, race and type of crime

Question 7

How can Dixon be used to improve the court system?

Answer 7

• External factors impact jurors verdict - advise defendants

- accent - have someone else read out statement

Question 8

Ethical considerations?

Answer 8

+ confidentiality
- right to withdraw
+ Informed consent
- Social sensitivity/psychological harm

Question 9

How can it be applied to improving jury decision-making?

Answer 9

• Hide victim
• Have someone else read statement
• Advise defendants