Snitching, lies and computer crashes: an experimental investigation of secondary confessions.
Two laboratory studies with 332 student participants investigated secondary confessions (provided by an informant instead of the suspect). Participants allegedly caused or witnessed a simulated computer crash, then were asked to give primary or secondary confessions during interrogation. Study 1 replicated the false evidence effect for primary confessions. Secondary confessions were obtained at a high rate, which was increased by false evidence in combination with incentive to confess. In Study 2 a confederate either confessed to or denied crashing the computer. Incentive increased the rate of secondary confession only in the presence of a denial; that is, incentive increased the number of false secondary confessions only. Implications for the use of incentives during informant interrogation are discussed.
Swanner
Jessica K
JK
Department of Psychology, The University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. jessicaswanner@gmail.com
Beike
Denise R
DR
Cole
Alexander T
AT
D001131:Arkansas; D003201:Computers; D008192:Deception; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014495:Universities