The Relationship between Attachment Styles and the Decision to Confess

In this laboratory study, we use the cheating paradigm to investigate individual differences that might influence the decision to confess to an act not committed (i.e., falsely confess). Specifically, we test whether attachment styles--an individual difference measure that captures our general approach to social relationships--predict false confessions. We also are investigating potential mediating variables, such as belief in a just world and suggestibility, that could explain how attachment styles influence the decision to falsely confess. This study is led by Lakia Faison and Mary Catlin.   

 

Interrogation Tactics and Study Methodology: Meta-Analyses

In these complimentary projects, we apply meta-analytic techniques to interrogation research. In the first project, we examine the influence of interrogation technique on the frequency of true and false confessions. A movement has been growing amongst scholars and practitioners to move away from the U.S. accusatorial approach to the PEACE model of interrogation started in the United Kingdom. This first meta-analysis offers a quantitative comparison of the two techniques to determine which is better at increasing true confessions while decreasing false confessions. In the second project, we look more closely at an experimental methodology known as the “cheating paradigm.” This second meta-analysis looks at what happens to confession rates when participants who were supposed to be innocent cheated and when those who were supposed to be guilty refused to cheat. These efforts are led by Mary Catlin. 

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Catlin, M., Wilson, D. B., Redlich, A. D., Bettens, T., Meissner, C. A., Bhatt, S., & Brandon, S. (2023). PROTOCOL: Interview and interrogation methods and their effects on true and false confessions: An update and extension. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 19, e1314. 

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Redlich, A.D., Catlin, M, & Bettens, T. (2023). Intent-to-treat in the “Cheating” paradigm: A meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology.

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Interrogator Tactics that Influence Changing Miranda Decisions

In this exploratory study, we examine if and under what circumstances mock-suspects will change their Miranda decisions. In the United States, all suspects must be read their Miranda rights. These rights include the commonly known right to a lawyer and right to silence. However, suspects also have the right to change their Miranda decision at any time. Little research has examined when a suspect might change their Miranda decision. Therefore, the current study is testing whether common interrogator tactics cause mock-suspects to change their Miranda decision. This project is led by Suraiya Shammi.

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Effective Interviewing of Suspected Youth Trafficking Victims

FUNDING AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security, CINA; PIs: Allison Redlich and Jodi Quas

In this three-phase project, we examine the ways suspected minor victims of sex trafficking are questioned by law enforcement. Often, trafficked youth come into contact with the police because of suspected delinquent/criminal behavior, and often they are reluctant to cooperate. In the first phase, Jodi and her colleagues analyze courtroom transcripts of prosecuted trafficking cases, and compare them to a sample of traditional child sexual abuse cases. In the second phase, federal, state, and local law enforcement are surveyed about the interview techniques they employ and challenges they face when questioning this unique population. In the third phase, administrative court data are analyzed to identify trends in trafficking case progression, outcomes, and the types of evidence presented. 

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Dianiska, R., Luna, S., Hardin, K., Quas, J.A., & Redlich, A.D. (2023). Current investigator practices and beliefs on interviewing trafficked minors. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 29, 32-45.

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Luna, S., Hardin, K., Dianiska, R., Redlich, A.D., & Quas, J.A. (2023). Questioning suspected trafficking victims: A survey of interviewers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology.

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