Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Responsibility attributions for men and women giving sane versus crazy explanations for good and bad deeds
1Psychology Department, University of Alaska, Anchorage 99508.
Abstract:
We conducted two studies in which participants evaluated men and women who committed good or bad deeds and afterward gave crazy or sane explanations for their actions. In line with arguments of Thomas Szasz, people were evaluated as more mentally ill, having less intent, and taking little responsibility when they committed deeds that were bad rather than good; those giving crazy explanations for their actions were similarly judged. However, recommended prison sentences did not differ for people who gave crazy or sane explanations for their crimes. Data were integrated into a growing body of research investigating evaluations of criminal responsibility for people with psychological disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Attribution Theory
Fundamental Attribution Error
Attribution
Theory of Attribution I: Correspondent Inference Theory
Personal Choice and Fate Attributions
Correspondence Bias

