The Hollywood Effect: How Dramatic Depictions of Torture Affect Support or Opposition

• In Event: Issues Regarding Privacy, Technology, Torture, and Terrorism

Abstract

Since the shock of Abu Ghraib, scholars and policymakers have engaged in vigorous debate over the efficacy and morality of torture. Research on torture has focused on a wide range of attitudes about torture, why torture persists, and the efficacy of using torture. These studies have examined participants’ attitudes but have neglected to assess behaviors in line with stated beliefs. Thus, we are left with an inadequate understanding of how people’s views on torture influence their actions. We offer a novel design to address this gap by examining how perceived efficacy of torture impacts the support for torture and ultimately behaviors consistent with these beliefs. Using a between-subjects design, we present participants with dramatic depictions showing torture as effective in eliciting information from a detainee, that torture is ineffective in this regard, and a neutral condition. We examine how framing impacts perceptions of torture, and ask participants to make a behavioral commitment to their stated belief by signing a petition. This study is as preliminary examination, which will be expanded to a more generalizable sample. We expect this research to contribute to the theoretical and behavioral knowledge on perceptions of torture, and engage the current public debate on the issue.

Authors

• Erin M. Kearns, American University

• Joseph K. Young, American University

• Michael Findley, University of Texas at Austin