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Effects of trial complexity on decision making
I A Horowitz1, L ForsterLee, I Brolly
1Department of Psychology, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331, USA. horowiti@cla.orst.edu
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Complex trials challenge civil juries. High information load and complex language impair juror decision-making, affecting liability and compensation fairness, especially with multiple plaintiffs.
Area of Science:
- Legal Psychology
- Jury Decision-Making Research
Background:
- The capacity of civil juries to deliver just verdicts in intricate trials is a persistent concern.
- Limited research has explored the specific factors contributing to trial complexity and their impact on jury deliberation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how information load and linguistic complexity in civil trials influence jury decision-making processes.
- To determine the effects of these complexity factors on judgments of liability and the assessment of compensatory damages.
Main Methods:
- Jury-eligible adults were exposed to a simulated complex civil trial via videotape.
- The trial simulation systematically varied the information load and the complexity of witness testimony language.
Main Results:
- Increased information load, particularly with more plaintiffs, reduced assigned blameworthiness despite contrary evidence.
- Complex language negatively impacted jurors' ability to differentiate and compensate plaintiffs appropriately.
- Fair compensatory awards were awarded only when information load and language complexity were low.
Conclusions:
- Trial complexity, specifically high information load and intricate language, significantly compromises jury fairness and rationality.
- These factors can lead to biased liability judgments and inadequate compensation, undermining the justice system.
- Strategies to simplify trial presentation are crucial for ensuring equitable jury outcomes.