Witness Appeal

KeyStudy3:Ross et al-The impact of protective shields and videotape testimony on conviction rates.

Aim: If the use of protective shields and videotaped testimony increases the liklihood of a guilty verdict.

Procedure:

• mock trail based on an actualy court transcript was set up.
• three versions were filmed:

1.child actor gave evidence in open court

2.Behind a screen

3.via a videolink.

• 300 psychology students equally split on gender were recruited 100 to each condition.
• two and a half hour film of the case
• film included the child's father(accused),the mother,two expert…