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Snitching, lies, and computer crashes: An experimental investigation of secondary confessions
Law and Human Behavior (2010)
  • Jessica K Swanner, Iowa State University
  • Denise Beike
  • Alexander T Cole
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
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/