How the need for cognition scale predicts behavior in mock jury deliberations.
The role of Need for Cognition (NC) in mock jury deliberations was examined. Study 1 showed that when groups of 4 (2 high and 2 low in NC) deliberated together, high-NCs spoke significantly longer than low-NCs and were perceived as more active and more persuasive. High-NCs were not, however, viewed as generating arguments that were more valid or more logical. In Study 2, participants deliberated in dyads with a confederate who delivered either strong or weak arguments against the participant's position. Contrary to expectation, low-NCs were more responsive to differences in argument quality. The findings suggest that, in mock jury deliberations, high-NCs are the active participators whereas low-NCs are the quiet contemplators. Implications for legal practice and policy are discussed.
Shestowsky
Donna
D
University of California, Davis School of Law, Davis 95616, USA.
Horowitz
Leonard M
LM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000145:classification*; D003416:Criminal Law; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D033222:Judicial Role; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D013334:Students; D013850:Thinking; D014481:United States; D014705:Verbal Behavior