The Effects of Defendants’ Attractiveness, Race, and Severity of Crime on Punishment Outcomes
Abstract
Numerous research studies have indicated a relationship between physical appearance, including attractiveness and race, and punishment that can result in a leniency/racial bias in sentencing individuals who have committed similar crimes. The aim of the present study is to find the relationship between attractiveness, race, and severity of crime on punishment outcomes across various hypothetical situations. The present study also addresses the limitations of previous research studies that neglected to find the effects of race on punishment outcomes and crime sentencing. A 2 x 2 x 2 Factorial ANOVA was used to test the conceptual framework. It is hypothesized that the effects found will be significant if severity of crime on punishment outcomes depends on whether one is attractive or unattractive. The results of the study are expected to show a leniency/racial bias towards individuals who are Caucasian and attractive, found within the petty crime condition. The present study aims to provide additional research regarding the influence of attractiveness and race on punishment outcomes as well as to measure individual attitudes towards physical qualities in relation to equal treatment and implicit bias.
The Effects of Defendants’ Attractiveness, Race, and Severity of Crime on Punishment Outcomes
Numerous research studies have indicated a relationship between physical appearance, including attractiveness and race, and punishment that can result in a leniency/racial bias in sentencing individuals who have committed similar crimes. The aim of the present study is to find the relationship between attractiveness, race, and severity of crime on punishment outcomes across various hypothetical situations. The present study also addresses the limitations of previous research studies that neglected to find the effects of race on punishment outcomes and crime sentencing. A 2 x 2 x 2 Factorial ANOVA was used to test the conceptual framework. It is hypothesized that the effects found will be significant if severity of crime on punishment outcomes depends on whether one is attractive or unattractive. The results of the study are expected to show a leniency/racial bias towards individuals who are Caucasian and attractive, found within the petty crime condition. The present study aims to provide additional research regarding the influence of attractiveness and race on punishment outcomes as well as to measure individual attitudes towards physical qualities in relation to equal treatment and implicit bias.