Mitigating The Biasing Impact Of Emotions And Morality: Cognitive Training, Juror Emotionality, And Juror Decision-Making

Abstract

MITIGATING THE BIASING IMPACT OF EMOTIONS Previous research suggests that gruesome color photographs can induce high levels of emotion in jurors, which may detract from the probative value of trial evidence. Further, these gruesome photos may unduly increase conviction rates and punitiveness in jurors. The current study explored the impact of gruesome trial evidence (gruesome photos vs. non-gruesome images) and investigated possible interventions against the extralegal bias associated with such photos utilizing different methods of cognitive training (holistic, analytical, or control). In addition, the impact of jurors' disgust sensitivity and Moral Foundations Theory were examined in relation to juror decision-making. Analyses revealed that jurors' experiences of several emotions were related to verdict. The moral foundations and jurors' post-trial emotions were significantly correlated to case-related judgments. Further, evidence gruesomeness and the moral foundations were significantly associated with jurors' post-trial emotions.