Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Applied Experimental Psychology
Committee Chair
Jodi Price
Committee Member
Jeffrey Neuschatz
Committee Member
Shauna Bowes
Committee Member
Daniel Krenn
Committee Member
Stacy Wetmore
Research Advisor
Jodi Price
Subject(s)
Jurors--Decision making--Psychological aspects, Police questioning--Technique, Witnesses
Abstract
The effects of coercive investigative questioning techniques have been extensively studied in the context of suspect interrogations; however, few studies have evaluated outcomes related to coercive questioning of eyewitnesses. Therefore, the present study investigated mock juror perceptions of the use of interrogation tactics during eyewitness questioning. Participants read a trial summary and provided trial judgments (e.g., verdict, eyewitness credibility, perceived coerciveness of the interview) pertaining to a case in which an eyewitness is questioned using either (1) maximization tactics (e.g. high pressure questioning, threats), (2) minimization tactics (e.g., minimizing severity or consequences), or (3) no tactics (e.g., statement provided voluntarily). In addition, the testimony was either (1) consistent or (2) inconsistent with the eyewitness’s original statement. Mock jurors recognized maximization and minimization techniques as coercive and subsequently provided lower investigator credibility ratings compared to conditions with no tactic. Mock jurors also provided lower eyewitness credibility ratings when inconsistencies were present. Verdict decisions, however, did not directly vary across tactic or consistency conditions. The results of the present study could provide important information for researchers, judges, and lawyers that can assist in the effort to ultimately reduce wrongful convictions based on faulty eyewitness testimony.
Recommended Citation
Mecikalski, Alexa A., "Threatened to testify : juror perceptions of coercive eyewitness interviews" (2026). Dissertations. 490.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-dissertations/490