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Effects of training and experience on the expression of own-race bias by law enforcement lineup constructors

The interface of psychology with law enforcement is a growing field of interest. A prime example of this interface can be found in the area of eyewitness identification and lineup construction. Results from lineups and eyewitness accounts are crucial to decisions made throughout the chain of prosecution procedures. The focus of this study was to examine how cross-racial identification affects the ability of law enforcement officers to construct fair lineups without exhibiting a bias toward their own race. / One hundred forty-one law enforcement officers constructed four photograph lineups with different targets: a white male, a black male, a white female, and a black female. Dependent measures were number of photos chosen and average time per photo surveyed. Seven variables were assessed through a multivariate analysis of covariance and a subsequent hierarchical step-down regression analysis. Between-subject variables were (a) race of the subject, (b) number of years of experience in law enforcement, (c) racial attitudes, (d) lineup experience, and (e) cross-racial experience. Within-subject variables were race and gender of the photographs. The results of this study indicate that law enforcement officers generally do not exhibit own-race bias. Only the conditions of high prejudice and low lineup experience resulted in own-race bias. Practical implications were noted and suggestions for a more accurate measure of own-race bias were recommended. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-10, Section: B, page: 4601. / Major Professor: Steve Rollin. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1987.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76331
ContributorsCarden, Nick A., Florida State University
Source SetsFlorida State University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText
Format130 p.
RightsOn campus use only.
RelationDissertation Abstracts International

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