Question 1

When jurors employ a "mental meter" to weigh the evidence towards guilt or innocence, they are assumed to be using a:

Accepted Answer

A)  story model. 
B)  mental meter model. 
C)  mathematical model. 
D)  historical model. 
A)  story model. 
B)  mental meter model. 
C)  mathematical model. 
D)  historical model. C

Question 2

When jurors change their minds because they are persuaded by the compelling arguments of other jurors, this phenomenon is also referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A)  open conflict. 
B)  informational influence. 
C)  normative influence. 
D)  leniency bias. 
A)  open conflict. 
B)  informational influence. 
C)  normative influence. 
D)  leniency bias. B

Question 3

For centuries, English law dictated that a jury should have _____ people. In the United States, the minimum constitutionally allowed number of jurors currently is _____.

Accepted Answer

A)  12; 6 
B)  6; 12 
C)  6; 8 
D)  8; 12 
A)  12; 6 
B)  6; 12 
C)  6; 8 
D)  8; 12 A

Question 4

Interestingly, if a defendant is severely injured in the course of committing a crime, jurors are more likely to:

Accepted Answer

A)  hand down a harsh sentence. 
B)  hand down a lenient sentence. 
C)  disagree with the judge about a sentence. 
D)  agree with the judge about a sentence. 
A)  hand down a harsh sentence. 
B)  hand down a lenient sentence. 
C)  disagree with the judge about a sentence. 
D)  agree with the judge about a sentence.

Question 5

Juries are unusual groups of people performing unusual tasks. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about juries?

Accepted Answer

A)  Juries consist of people who most likely don't know each other and have little in common. 
B)  During the trial, jurors only observe but cannot ask any questions from witnesses. 
C)  Jurors have to leave their house and live in a hotel for the duration of the trial. 
D)  Jurors are expected to suspend judgment until all relevant evidence has been presented. 
A)  Juries consist of people who most likely don't know each other and have little in common. 
B)  During the trial, jurors only observe but cannot ask any questions from witnesses. 
C)  Jurors have to leave their house and live in a hotel for the duration of the trial. 
D)  Jurors are expected to suspend judgment until all relevant evidence has been presented.

Question 6

How does the mathematical model of jury decision making differ from the story model of jury decision making?

Accepted Answer

•The mathematical model assumes a sort o

Question 7

According to the story model, jurors construct their stories _____ the evidence at trial.

Accepted Answer

A)  before they are exposed to 
B)  while hearing 
C)  several days after hearing 
D)  regardless of 
A)  before they are exposed to 
B)  while hearing 
C)  several days after hearing 
D)  regardless of

Question 8

According to the text, juries that require unanimity to reach a decision, deliberate _____, and are also more likely to _____ than majority-rule juries.

Accepted Answer

A)  faster; consider evidence carefully 
B)  longer; hang 
C)  in closed quarters; allow videotaping of the deliberation process 
D)  faster; hang 
A)  faster; consider evidence carefully 
B)  longer; hang 
C)  in closed quarters; allow videotaping of the deliberation process 
D)  faster; hang

Question 9

Research evidence suggests that, when judges and juries disagree, all of the following is true, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A)  Juries are more lenient than judges in less serious cases like shoplifting or marijuana possession. 
B)  Judges are more likely than juries to rule in favor of injured plaintiffs in civil trials. 
C)  The jurors' understanding of complex evidence is just as good, or maybe even better, than the judges' understanding. 
D)  Such disagreements between judges and juries never happen. 
A)  Juries are more lenient than judges in less serious cases like shoplifting or marijuana possession. 
B)  Judges are more likely than juries to rule in favor of injured plaintiffs in civil trials. 
C)  The jurors' understanding of complex evidence is just as good, or maybe even better, than the judges' understanding. 
D)  Such disagreements between judges and juries never happen.

Question 10

Some legal scholars have been advocating for a system of professional jurors who can understand the complex evidence presented in court and know the law related to each case. However, there are some serious problems with this potential system. Which one of the following is NOT among these problems?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is not clear what course of studies professional jurors should complete to prepare for their jobs. 
B)  Lots of money is needed to cover the professional jurors' salaries. 
C)  Over time, professional jurors are likely to become friends with some lawyers or judges, which could bias their opinions. 
D)  With time and extensive experience, professional jurors can become more jaded and conviction-prone. 
A)  It is not clear what course of studies professional jurors should complete to prepare for their jobs. 
B)  Lots of money is needed to cover the professional jurors' salaries. 
C)  Over time, professional jurors are likely to become friends with some lawyers or judges, which could bias their opinions. 
D)  With time and extensive experience, professional jurors can become more jaded and conviction-prone.

Question 11

Studies show that a judge's instruction to ignore certain information as inadmissible evidence may often lead to the opposite: the effect of this information on the jurors is amplified. The text mentions all of the following explanations as possible reasons for this effect, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A)  When people make an effort to disregard something, it ironically dominates their thoughts. 
B)  Jurors may see the judge's instruction as impinging on their freedom to make decisions. 
C)  Whether jurors give weight to the evidence depends on their knowledge of the defendant. 
D)  If jurors consider the information useful in reaching the verdict, they will use it. 
A)  When people make an effort to disregard something, it ironically dominates their thoughts. 
B)  Jurors may see the judge's instruction as impinging on their freedom to make decisions. 
C)  Whether jurors give weight to the evidence depends on their knowledge of the defendant. 
D)  If jurors consider the information useful in reaching the verdict, they will use it.

Question 12

In the context of inadmissible evidence in a courtroom, a judge may rule that certain information should be disregarded by the _____. However, when told not to think about something, we often do the exact opposite and cannot get that thought out of our heads. This phenomenon is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A)  jurors; ironic processes 
B)  jurors; the story model 
C)  media; ironic processes 
D)  media; the story model 
A)  jurors; ironic processes 
B)  jurors; the story model 
C)  media; ironic processes 
D)  media; the story model

Question 13

With regard to research on inadmissible evidence, which one of the following statements is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A)  Jurors disregard inadmissible evidence when they think it is irrelevant or unfair. 
B)  If the judge fails to explain clearly why the evidence should be disregarded, jurors may be more likely to take it into account. 
C)  Jurors are reluctant to disregard inadmissible evidence when they consider it useful. 
D)  The judge's instructions to disregard inadmissible evidence have no effect on jurors' decisions. 
A)  Jurors disregard inadmissible evidence when they think it is irrelevant or unfair. 
B)  If the judge fails to explain clearly why the evidence should be disregarded, jurors may be more likely to take it into account. 
C)  Jurors are reluctant to disregard inadmissible evidence when they consider it useful. 
D)  The judge's instructions to disregard inadmissible evidence have no effect on jurors' decisions.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the deliberation process?

Accepted Answer

A)  Orientation. 
B)  Closed conflict. 
C)  Open conflict. 
D)  Reconciliation. 
A)  Orientation. 
B)  Closed conflict. 
C)  Open conflict. 
D)  Reconciliation.

Question 15

According to the text, it is useful to think of a trial as a _____ to help a jury or judge _____.

Accepted Answer

A)  method of providing information; arrive at a decision in the case 
B)  method of providing information; determine the strength of evidence 
C)  process of invention; arrive at a decision in the case 
D)  process of invention; determine the strength of evidence 
A)  method of providing information; arrive at a decision in the case 
B)  method of providing information; determine the strength of evidence 
C)  process of invention; arrive at a decision in the case 
D)  process of invention; determine the strength of evidence

Question 16

When an expert witness is presenting a testimony that is _____, the strength of expert's credentials is _____.

Accepted Answer

A)  very complex; especially important 
B)  relevant for the case; often doubted 
C)  less complex; extremely important 
D)  critical to the case; irrelevant 
A)  very complex; especially important 
B)  relevant for the case; often doubted 
C)  less complex; extremely important 
D)  critical to the case; irrelevant

Question 17

Expert witnesses are individuals that present testimony in court. All of the following is true about expert witnesses, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A)  They usually help the jurors make sense of complex evidence. 
B)  Their testimony is based on their specialized training or knowledge. 
C)  Expert testimony is most influential when presented clearly. 
D)  Most experts who testify in court do so for free (pro bono). 
A)  They usually help the jurors make sense of complex evidence. 
B)  Their testimony is based on their specialized training or knowledge. 
C)  Expert testimony is most influential when presented clearly. 
D)  Most experts who testify in court do so for free (pro bono).

Question 18

During the jury deliberation process, two distinct styles are evident. Some juries adopt a(n) _____ style, while other juries choose a(n) _____ style.

Accepted Answer

A)  verdict-driven; evidence-driven 
B)  verdict-driven; leniency-based 
C)  evidence-driven; reactance-based 
D)  evidence-driven; reconciliation-based 
A)  verdict-driven; evidence-driven 
B)  verdict-driven; leniency-based 
C)  evidence-driven; reactance-based 
D)  evidence-driven; reconciliation-based

Question 19

Which one of the following states requires judges to pre-instruct juries?

Accepted Answer

A)  Arizona. 
B)  California. 
C)  New Mexico. 
D)  New York. 
A)  Arizona. 
B)  California. 
C)  New Mexico. 
D)  New York.

Question 20

All of the following statements are true about hung jury, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A)  Non-unanimous juries are less likely to "hang" than unanimous ones. 
B)  Hung juries are more likely in big cities with diverse populations. 
C)  When the law is perceived as complex or unfair, hung juries are less likely. 
D)  If jurors adopt a verdict-driven style of deliberation and vote early, the jury may "hang". 
A)  Non-unanimous juries are less likely to "hang" than unanimous ones. 
B)  Hung juries are more likely in big cities with diverse populations. 
C)  When the law is perceived as complex or unfair, hung juries are less likely. 
D)  If jurors adopt a verdict-driven style of deliberation and vote early, the jury may "hang".

When jurors employ a "mental meter" to weigh the evidence towards guilt or innocence, they are assumed to be using a:

When jurors change their minds because they are persuaded by the compelling arguments of other jurors, this phenomenon is also referred to as:

For centuries, English law dictated that a jury should have _ people. In the United States, the minimum constitutionally allowed number of jurors currently is _.

Interestingly, if a defendant is severely injured in the course of committing a crime, jurors are more likely to:

Juries are unusual groups of people performing unusual tasks. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about juries?

How does the mathematical model of jury decision making differ from the story model of jury decision making?

According to the story model, jurors construct their stories _____ the evidence at trial.

According to the text, juries that require unanimity to reach a decision, deliberate _, and are also more likely to _ than majority-rule juries.

Research evidence suggests that, when judges and juries disagree, all of the following is true, EXCEPT:

Some legal scholars have been advocating for a system of professional jurors who can understand the complex evidence presented in court and know the law related to each case. However, there are some serious problems with this potential system. Which one of the following is NOT among these problems?

Studies show that a judge's instruction to ignore certain information as inadmissible evidence may often lead to the opposite: the effect of this information on the jurors is amplified. The text mentions all of the following explanations as possible reasons for this effect, EXCEPT:

In the context of inadmissible evidence in a courtroom, a judge may rule that certain information should be disregarded by the _____. However, when told not to think about something, we often do the exact opposite and cannot get that thought out of our heads. This phenomenon is referred to as:

With regard to research on inadmissible evidence, which one of the following statements is INCORRECT?

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the deliberation process?

According to the text, it is useful to think of a trial as a _ to help a jury or judge _.

When an expert witness is presenting a testimony that is _, the strength of expert's credentials is _.

Expert witnesses are individuals that present testimony in court. All of the following is true about expert witnesses, EXCEPT:

During the jury deliberation process, two distinct styles are evident. Some juries adopt a(n) _ style, while other juries choose a(n) _ style.

Which one of the following states requires judges to pre-instruct juries?

All of the following statements are true about hung jury, EXCEPT:

Psychology and Law: a Cautious Alliance

Presents Several Potential Solutions to the Problem of False Confessions Which of the Following Is Not One of These Solutions

Lie Detection

The Psychology of Forensic Identification: Dna, Fingerprints, and Physical Trace Evidence

Criminal Profiling and Psychological Autopsies

Child Sexual Abuse: Interviewing Children and the Recovered Memories of Adults

Eyewitness Identification and Testimony

Competency to Stand Trial

Jury Selection and Trial Procedure

The Insanity Defense

Battered Woman Syndrome, Rape Trauma Syndrome, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Child Custody Disputes

Workplace Law: Harassment, Discrimination, and Fairness

Predicting Violent Behavior: the Psychology of Risk Assessment

Corrections: Sentencing, Imprisonment, and Alternatives

The Death Penalty

Filters

Exam 12: Juries and Judges As Decision Makers

When jurors employ a "mental meter" to weigh the evidence towards guilt or innocence, they are assumed to be using a:

When jurors change their minds because they are persuaded by the compelling arguments of other jurors, this phenomenon is also referred to as:

For centuries, English law dictated that a jury should have _____ people. In the United States, the minimum constitutionally allowed number of jurors currently is _____.

Interestingly, if a defendant is severely injured in the course of committing a crime, jurors are more likely to:

Juries are unusual groups of people performing unusual tasks. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about juries?

How does the mathematical model of jury decision making differ from the story model of jury decision making?

According to the story model, jurors construct their stories _____ the evidence at trial.

According to the text, juries that require unanimity to reach a decision, deliberate _____, and are also more likely to _____ than majority-rule juries.

Research evidence suggests that, when judges and juries disagree, all of the following is true, EXCEPT:

Some legal scholars have been advocating for a system of professional jurors who can understand the complex evidence presented in court and know the law related to each case. However, there are some serious problems with this potential system. Which one of the following is NOT among these problems?

Studies show that a judge's instruction to ignore certain information as inadmissible evidence may often lead to the opposite: the effect of this information on the jurors is amplified. The text mentions all of the following explanations as possible reasons for this effect, EXCEPT:

In the context of inadmissible evidence in a courtroom, a judge may rule that certain information should be disregarded by the _____. However, when told not to think about something, we often do the exact opposite and cannot get that thought out of our heads. This phenomenon is referred to as:

With regard to research on inadmissible evidence, which one of the following statements is INCORRECT?

Which of the following is NOT a stage in the deliberation process?

According to the text, it is useful to think of a trial as a _____ to help a jury or judge _____.

When an expert witness is presenting a testimony that is _____, the strength of expert's credentials is _____.

Expert witnesses are individuals that present testimony in court. All of the following is true about expert witnesses, EXCEPT:

During the jury deliberation process, two distinct styles are evident. Some juries adopt a(n) _____ style, while other juries choose a(n) _____ style.

Which one of the following states requires judges to pre-instruct juries?

All of the following statements are true about hung jury, EXCEPT:

Psychology and Law: a Cautious Alliance

Presents Several Potential Solutions to the Problem of False Confessions Which of the Following Is Not One of These Solutions

Lie Detection

The Psychology of Forensic Identification: Dna, Fingerprints, and Physical Trace Evidence

Criminal Profiling and Psychological Autopsies

Child Sexual Abuse: Interviewing Children and the Recovered Memories of Adults

Eyewitness Identification and Testimony

Competency to Stand Trial

Jury Selection and Trial Procedure

The Insanity Defense

Battered Woman Syndrome, Rape Trauma Syndrome, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Child Custody Disputes

Workplace Law: Harassment, Discrimination, and Fairness

Predicting Violent Behavior: the Psychology of Risk Assessment

Corrections: Sentencing, Imprisonment, and Alternatives

The Death Penalty

Filters

For centuries, English law dictated that a jury should have _ people. In the United States, the minimum constitutionally allowed number of jurors currently is _.

According to the text, juries that require unanimity to reach a decision, deliberate _, and are also more likely to _ than majority-rule juries.

According to the text, it is useful to think of a trial as a _ to help a jury or judge _.

When an expert witness is presenting a testimony that is _, the strength of expert's credentials is _.

During the jury deliberation process, two distinct styles are evident. Some juries adopt a(n) _ style, while other juries choose a(n) _ style.