On testifying in one's own behalf: interactive effects of evidential strength and defendant's testimonial demeanor on mock jurors' decisions

Article Abstract:

Mock jurors read a trial transcript in which the prosecution's evidence against an accused was either strong, balanced, or weak. They then observed a 3-min videotape in which the defendant answered these charges either calmly and confidently (control demeanor) or in a tense, fidgety manner, displaying many nonverbal and paralinguistic irregularities (apparently deceptive demeanor). Although jurors' assessments of the defendant's probable guilt and their likelihood of convicting him became stronger as the legally relevant evidence against the accused became more clear-cut, this strength of evidence effect was qualified by the defendant's testimonial demeanor. And on every measure, these demeanor effects were strongest in the weak (i.e., proaquittal) evidence condition. Thus, our results support the contention of trial attorneys that poor self-presentation skills can indeed undermine a defendant's chances of acquittal, especially when the evidence against him is weak. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Decision-making, Decision making, Analysis, Parties to actions, Psychological research, Moot courts

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Validation of an information-processing-based test battery for the prediction of handling accidents among petroleum-product transport drivers

Article Abstract:

A validation study was conducted to determine if the selection of petroleum-product transport drivers could be improved. Based on anticipated problems with a postdictive field study, a laboratory simulation was conducted as a supplemental validation approach. For the laboratory study, an intensive job analysis was used to devise a computer-based simulation of the task. 60 Ss completed the simulation and a test battery that included measures of selective attention, field independence, and general cognitive ability. In the postdictive field study, 71 transport drivers completed measures of selective attention and field independence. Accident data were collected from company records. The only significant relationship was between driving accidents and selective attention. The results support the use of well-constructed simulations as an alternative validation strategy. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Methods, Examinations, Test validity, Employee selection, Employment tests, Truck driving

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