Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Tara Burke
Abstract
The present study investigates the hypothesis that alibi evidence is interpreted as an excuse and so perceived and reacted to negatively. Participants read case summaries that included incriminating eyewitness and exculpatory alibi evidence, the latter labelled as an 'alibi', 'excuse' or 'statement', completed questionnaires evaluating their perceptions or the honesty and credibility of witnesses, and provided a ruling for the case (guilty/not guilty). The alibi evidence was provided before or after the eyewitness evidence. It was expected that ratings for the 'alibi' or 'excuse' would be lower than those for the 'statement'. Though there were no significant evaluations of alibi honesty/credibility and accuracy are not utilized in the formation of a verdict. The results are discussed in the context of using the 'excuse hypothesis' as an explanation for the underutilization of alibi evidence.
Recommended Citation
El-Sibaey, Sami, "Believe me, believe me not : investigating the possibility of a dual standard in the evaluation of alibi and eyewitness evidence" (2009). Theses and dissertations. Paper 634.
http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations/634