PSY 370 - Chap 3

Fundamental Attribution Error

Evolution of Interrogation Techniques

• Before 1930 - use of physical violence

• 1931 - abuse that does not leave physical traces of it

• 1961 and after - confessions are considered inadmissible if it is based off of physical and psychological abuse

1966: Miranda Rights

• Right to remain silent

• Anything that you say can and will be used against you in a court of law

• Right to an attorney present during questioning

• An attorney will be appointed if accused can’t afford one

• Right to stop the questioning at any time (only in some jurisdictions)

1961: Totality of Circumstances (Columbe v. Connecticut

Good Cop-Bad Cop Approach

Modern interrogation tactic

Reid Technique

4 Basic Influence Strategies of the Reid Technique

1. Loss of Control

2. Social Isolation

3. Certainty of Guilt

4. Minimization of Culpability

Core Principles of Social Influence

• Reciprocity

• Commitment and Consistency

• Social Proof

• Liking

• Authority

• Scarcity

Short-Sightedness

tendency to give priority to short-term goals of escaping the interrogation room and appeasing the interrogators

Types of False Confessions

1. Instrumental-Coerced

2. Instrumental-Voluntary

3. Internalized-Coerced

4. Internalized-Voluntary

Instrumental-Coerced False Confession

suspects confess to crimes not committed as a result of a log or intense interrogation process;