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The animal in you: Animalistic descriptions of a violent crime increase punishment of perpetrator

Vasquez, Eduardo A., Loughnan, Steve, Gootjes-Dreesbach, Ellis, Weger, Ulrich (2014) The animal in you: Animalistic descriptions of a violent crime increase punishment of perpetrator. Aggressive Behavior, 40 (4). pp. 337-344. ISSN 0096-140X. E-ISSN 1098-2337. (doi:10.1002/ab.21525) (KAR id:44906)

Abstract

Criminal acts are sometimes described using animal metaphors. What is the impact of a violent crime being described in an animalistic versus a non-animalistic way on the subsequent retribution toward the perpetrator? In two studies, we experimentally varied animalistic descriptions of a violent crime and examined its effect on the severity of the punishment for the act. In Study 1, we showed that compared to non-animalistic descriptions, animalistic descriptions resulted in significantly harsher punishment for the perpetrator. In Study 2, we replicated this effect and further demonstrated that this harsher sentencing is explained by an increase in perceived risk of recidivism. Our findings suggest that animalistic descriptions of crimes lead to more retaliation against the perpetrator by inducing the perception that he is likely to continue engaging in violence.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/ab.21525
Uncontrolled keywords: dehumanization; perceptions of violent crime; prison sentencing; punishment of criminal offenders
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Eduardo Vasquez
Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2014 17:26 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 10:29 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/44906 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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