Thesis Defense Announcement
Zoom
Raina Lamade, Ph.D., ABPP
508-999-8761
rlamade@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93532180274?pwd=tbHqmPNDwxdZaYhPloEPaGdFhAbPyd.1
Category: Thesis Defense
Title of Defense: Master’s Thesis Defense by Jaclyn H. Aronie
Date of Defense: September 4th at 1:30 pm
Location: Zoom: https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93532180274?pwd=tbHqmPNDwxdZaYhPloEPaGdFhAbPyd.1
Start time of Defense: 1:30pm
Title of Paper: Understanding Perceptions of Culpability
Abstract:
Jurors often rely on narrative descriptions to interpret events they did not witness directly, and subtle differences in language may shape how those events are understood. The present study examined how linguistic framing and victim identity influenced judgments of culpability for the same violent act. In a 2 × 3 between-subjects design, participants read one of six homicide vignettes varying in framing and victim identity while all core facts remained constant. Emotionally loaded, elaborated framing was associated with greater verdict confidence, harsher punishment recommendations, and higher ratings of brutality and intentionality. Victim identity also influenced punishment severity, brutality, intentionality, and sympathy toward both the victim and defendant. Most moderation effects on decision-making style were not significant, although spontaneous decision-making moderated the relationship between framing and verdict confidence. Overall, the findings suggest that both narrative framing and victim characteristics can shape interpretations of violent events.
Advisor: Raina V. Lamade, Ph.D., ABPP
Committee Members: R. Thomas Boon, Ph.D. and Trina Kershaw, Ph.D.
Contact Email: rlamade@umassd.edu