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Witness self-efficacy: development and validation of the construct
Robert J Cramer1, Tess M S Neal, Jamie DeCoster
1Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, U.S.A. rjc021@shsu.edu
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
|August 24, 2010
Summary
This study introduces Witness Self-Efficacy (WSE), a new measure to assess confidence in testifying. Higher WSE scores predict greater witness credibility and influence sentencing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Legal Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Self-Efficacy Theory (SET) is widely applied, but lacks research on courtroom testimony.
- A gap exists in understanding self-efficacy related to testifying in court.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the construct of Witness Self-Efficacy (WSE).
- To establish the psychometric properties of the Witness Self-Efficacy Scale (WSES).
- To examine the validity and predictive utility of WSE within an SET framework.
Main Methods:
- Study I: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to develop the WSES.
- Study II: Second data collection to assess convergent, divergent, and predictive validity of the WSES.
- Statistical analyses including regression to predict credibility and sentencing.
Main Results:
- A two-factor WSES emerged: Poise and Communication Style.
- WSES demonstrated convergent, divergent, and predictive validity.
- WSE predicted witness credibility and sentencing outcomes beyond other personality traits.
Conclusions:
- The WSES is a psychometrically sound measure of self-efficacy for testifying.
- WSE is a significant predictor of witness credibility and legal outcomes.
- Findings have implications for SET and witness preparation training.
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