Psychology 2990A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: False Confession, Full Confession, Mock Interview

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2990A/B
• Professor: Doug Hazlewood

Document Summary

A prosecutors most potent weapon is confession evidence. Interrogation have moved away from physical coercion to more subtle psychological techniques (lying about evidence, promising lenient treatment etc. ) Interrogator interrupts any statements of denial to maintain upper hand. Interrogator overcomes suspects objection to the charges until suspect becomes quiet/withdrawn. 4: when suspects withdrawn, interrogator reduces psychological and/or physical distance to ensure suspect does not tune out. Interrogator shows sympathy and understanding, urging suspect to come clean. 6: suspect offered face-saving explanations for crime (makes self incrimination easier to achieve, once suspect accepts responsibility, interrogators develop admission into a full confession. Interrogators get suspect to write and sign full confession. Justifying the crime, and lying about evidence sometimes used. Interrogators with guilty expectations asked more questions that indicated their belief in the suspects guilt. Interrogators with guilty expectations used a higher frequency of interrogation techniques.