Examing the effects of apology and compensation on participants' perceptions of exonerees.
Date
2014-08-01
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Abstract
Research suggests that exonerees experience stigma post-incarceration that causes reintegration
difficulties (Westervelt & Cook, 2010). Using Weiner’s (1993) theory of social motivation, we
investigated whether apology or compensation influenced perceptions of exonerees. Participants
read vignettes detailing the release of an exoneree with a video component added in the second
study. Study One manipulated exoneree sex as well as the presence of compensation and
apology. Results indicated that the presence of an apology increased positive attributes (overall
attitudes, feelings of sympathy, and willingness to assist) with minimal effects found for
compensation or exoneree sex. Study Two examined the impact of apologies on perceptions of
exonerees based on the type of apology issued and the factor that lead to their wrongful
conviction. Participants` ratings of responsibility and anger indicate negative perceptions of
individuals who falsely confess. The implications of issuing apologies are discussed in hopes of
decreasing the reintegration difficulties of exonerees.
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Keywords
Wrongful conviction, Stigma, Apology, Exoneree