Psych-Crim Behavior: Ch 1-6 Quiz

Culture Clash: Approximate Truth vs. Approximate Justice —> What is the primary goal of psychological science?

Approximate Truth: Provide a full and accurate explanation of human behavior, focusing on groups/general patterns; descriptive

Culture Clash: Approximate Truth vs. Approximate Justice —> What is the primary goal of law?

Approximate Justice: Regulate behavior, focusing on individual cases; prescriptive

The process of polygraphing: Coerce Confession

1. Police lie: convince the subject that they failed (confirmation bias) or offer a plea deal (putting extra pressure)

2. Reluctance to take a polygraph may be interpreted as a sign of guilt or suspicion

3. Leading questions by the examiner

4. Confess to a lesser crime to avoid being caught for a more serious crime

Evolution of Interrogation Techniques: prior to 1930s

Use of direct physical violence

Evolution of Interrogation Techniques 1930s-1960s

Convert physical abuse that did not leave marks, including deprivation, isolation & intimidation

1. Hold head in toilet

2. Withholding food/water

3. Stand for hours

4. Isolation

Evolution of Interrogation Techniques: After 1960s

Reid Technique

Reid Technique

Involves 9 step technique that represents the general flow of many interrogations

Reid Technique includes 4 psychologically powerful strategies

1. Loss of control: loss of phone, manner in which they are isolated

2. Social Isolation: taking away means of communication

3. Minimization of culpability (foundation): explanation for the result of the crime (shift the blame to what the circumstances might be, e.g., stealing diapers, protecting their child)

4. Certainty of guilt: Attempt to put suspect on the hot seat dismissing what the suspect has to say