Testing the Marshall Hypothesis: New Data and New Measures

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

This presentation will assess the Marshall Hypothesis using new data collected from university students. The presentation and accompanying paper attempt to enhance the literature on this subject by having the data collection process be anonymous, come from a single point in time, and by adding new measures such as perceptions of the validity of different types of criminal evidence. Additionally, this presentation will attempt to discern if Marshall’s second hypothesis– that the American public would not support the death penalty if they were informed– is valid for perceived knowledge, actual knowledge, both, or neither. Marshall’s three hypotheses will be evaluated using a variety of different analytical methods including regression analysis and propensity score matching between criminology and psychology students.

Authors

• Justo Cruz, Florida State University

• Wesley McCoy Myers, Florida State University