The Factor of Sex in Testimonial Accuracy

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of character, professional status, and intentions of a criminal on the magnitude of suggested punishment in a hypothetical experimental setting. The sample was composed of 120 male Indian undergraduates. The analysis yielded a significant main effect of intentions as well as interaction effects of Intentions × Character and of Intentions × Character × Status Factor. The results lend support to cognitive dissonance and attribution theories.