![](https://d3ilqtpdwi981i.cloudfront.net/ROEMlTJFZegQnNf762MjqWunonM=/425x550/smart/https://bepress-attached-resources.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/cc/7f/2d/cc7f2de4-14be-4f45-baa4-43891cb8644f/thumbnail_BPFile%20object.jpg)
Article
Snitching, lies, and computer crashes: An experimental investigation of secondary confessions
Law and Human Behavior
(2010)
Abstract
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.
Keywords
- secondary confession,
- interrogation,
- confession,
- informant,
- snitch
Disciplines
Publication Date
2010
Citation Information
Jessica K Swanner, Denise Beike and Alexander T Cole. "Snitching, lies, and computer crashes: An experimental investigation of secondary confessions" Law and Human Behavior Vol. 34 Iss. 1 (2010) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jessica_swanner/3/