Miranda abilities, individual characteristics, and contextual factors are critical elements to evaluate in determining the validity of Miranda rights waivers and confessions. Research indicates that many individuals waive their Miranda rights without adequate comprehension or reasoning. In addition, personality characteristics of suggestibility and compliance are key factors influencing waiver decisions. Furthermore, scholars found that situational anxiety likewise impairs Miranda abilities and waiver decisions. Previous research has investigated the effects of Miranda abilities, individual characteristics, and contextual factors on Miranda waivers and confessions by utilizing confession paradigms. A methodological limitation of these paradigms is the lack of volition and autonomy in committing the accused acts of wrongdoings. The current study of undergraduate students advances previous research through examining the detrimental impact of false accusations of wrongdoings committed independently and intentionally using a novel paradigm. This thesis sought to further the understanding of the effects of Miranda abilities (i.e., comprehension and reasoning), personality characteristics (i.e., suggestibility and compliance), and situational factors (i.e., false accusation) in relation to Miranda waivers and confession decisions. The final sample included 87 undergraduate students, of whom approximately 97% waived their rights and 40% falsely confessed to the wrongdoing. The results indicate that Miranda reasoning, suggestibility, and compliance significantly predict the likelihood of false confession. These findings can be used to inform policy changes as well as the evaluations of the validity of Miranda waivers and confessions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1538689 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Otal, Tanveer K. |
| Contributors | Rogers, Richard, 1950-, Boals, Adriel, 1973-, Cox, Randall |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vii, 115 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Otal, Tanveer K., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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