Psychology & Law Exam 1

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Questions and Answers

A judge is evaluating the admissibility of expert testimony using the Daubert Standard. Which of the following reflects the judge's role according to SCOTUS?

Acting as a gatekeeper, ensuring the testimony is based on reliable scientific methodology and relevant to the case. (correct)
Accepting testimony if it aligns with established legal precedents, regardless of scientific validity.
Prioritizing general acceptance within a specific community over individual testability and error rate.
Deferring solely to the expert's credentials without further evaluation of the underlying science.

Which of the following situations exemplifies the application of the 'error rate' criterion within the Daubert Standard?

A forensic method with a known probability of producing false positives. (correct)
Testimony derived from a hypothesis that has not been empirically tested.
Reliance on a technique that has not been widely adopted by the relevant scientific community.
A researcher's failure to submit their findings for peer review.

How does the Frye standard differ from the Daubert standard in evaluating the admissibility of scientific evidence?

The Frye standard relies solely on peer review for admissibility.
The Frye standard requires the judge to act as the gatekeeper.
The Frye standard requires strict adherence to error rate analysis.
The Frye standard is more restrictive and focuses on general acceptance within the scientific Community. (correct)

A psychologist presents data on eyewitness testimony accuracy to inform jurors about the factors influencing memory. This use of psychological knowledge best exemplifies which model of psychology informing the legal field?

Social Framework (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a case involving repressed memories, a judge cites psychological studies to establish guidelines for evaluating the validity of such memories in court. This action best illustrates which model of psychology informing the legal field?

Social Authority (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do the goals and approaches of psychology and law differ regarding the concept of 'truth'?

Psychology seeks to predict future behavior, while law focuses on proving past actions to establish 'truth'. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the use of 'social fact' in the legal field?

A court relies on psychological research data to resolve a disagreement about the impact of a policy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher conducts a study on jury decision-making and finds that jurors are more likely to convict defendants of a certain race, even when evidence is weak. Under the Daubert standard, what criterion would be most relevant in assessing the admissibility of this study in court?

Testability (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of plea deals, under what condition does threatening a defendant with harsher charges NOT violate due process, according to the ruling in the Hayes case?

If the punishment, even under harsher charges, remains within legal limits. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the key distinction between implicit bias and prejudice?

Implicit bias is unconscious and automatic, while prejudice is conscious and intentional. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate comparison of dehumanization and negative zero empathy?

Dehumanization involves viewing others as less than human, while negative zero empathy is characterized by a complete lack of emotional connection or concern for others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which cluster of personality disorders is most closely associated with negative zero empathy?

Narcissism, psychopathy, and borderline personality disorder (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the general findings from Fessinger et al. (2024) and Baker et al. (2024), what is a primary concern regarding juvenile defendants and guilty pleas?

Juvenile defendants often do not fully understand the implications of pleading guilty. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Stereotype Content Model, developed by Susan Fiske, how are social groups perceived?

Based on their perceived warmth and competence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the Stereotype Content Model, which dimension is most closely associated with the likelihood of physical aggression or attacks against a social group?

Warmth (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Stereotype Content Model, which combination of warmth and competence would result in a group being viewed as admirable?

High warmth, high competence (B) Signup and view all the answers

From the American Psychological Association's (APA) perspective, what is the primary aim of submitting an amicus curiae brief to a court?

To provide courts with insights rooted in empirical, research-based psychology to inform legal decision-making. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios might an expert witness face the risk of a civil lawsuit?

In certain states or the United Kingdom, potentially from the attorneys who hired them, for malpractice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which model of expert witness testimony gives the judge the LEAST authority to determine the admissibility of expert evidence?

The Adversarial model, as seen in the USA. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Neal et al.’s (2019) research indicated what concerning the use of psychological assessments in legal settings?

Courts frequently admit psychological assessments, even when these assessments are of questionable scientific merit. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Phillip Goff, what is the most accurate understanding of racism?

Racism is a structural and systematic issue that is embedded with institutions and policies, and operates through implicit bias. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on Kovera's findings, which statement best describes the origin of racial disparities in legal outcomes?

Racial bias in legal judgment, disparities in forensic evidence interpretation, and challenges in reducing bias overall. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is supported by social psychological research regarding perceptions of Black boys relative to White boys?

Black boys are often perceived as being older than White boys of the same age. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of policies or practices would most likely contribute to an increase in racial profiling?

Limited accountability for misconduct, top and frisk's, biased risk assessment, and lack of data transparency. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is LEAST likely to be directly promoted by a police department aiming to reduce racial profiling and improve community relations?

Prioritizing the use of aggressive interrogation tactics to quickly resolve cases. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the findings of Voigt et al. (2017), how do police officers often interact differently with Black drivers compared to White drivers during traffic stops?

Officers are inclined to speak with less respect and use more negative language toward Black drivers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A city policy distributes resources unequally, leading to certain racial groups consistently receiving fewer opportunities for education and employment. This scenario is an example of what type of injustice?

Distributive injustice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Goffman, how does society primarily label individuals as deviant?

Through social interactions and societal perceptions, rather than solely on their actions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of stigmatization?

The process of labeling, stereotyping, and discriminating against individuals based on perceived undesirable differences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances are individuals MOST likely to dehumanize others?

When they perceive others as a threat or competition, influenced by fear and authority. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A participant in Milgram's experiment is ordered to continue administering electric shocks. Which action would demonstrate resisting authority through `questioning the legitimacy of authority`?

Refusing to continue the experiment, stating that the experimenter's demands are unethical and illegitimate. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Boykin vs. Alabama, what fundamental requirement regarding guilty pleas was established?

Guilty pleas must be made voluntarily and knowingly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Daubert Criteria

Four criteria used to determine the admissibility of scientific evidence: testability, peer review, error rate, and general acceptance.

Judge's Role (Daubert)

Judges act as 'gatekeepers,' assessing the reliability and relevance of scientific testimony to prevent speculative or unreliable opinions.

Frye Standard

An older, more restrictive standard where scientific evidence is admissible only if 'generally accepted' by the relevant scientific community.

Daubert Standard

A more flexible standard where judges assess the reliability and relevance of expert testimony, acting as gatekeepers.