Prospect Theory and Criminal Choice: Experiments Testing Framing, Reference Dependence, and Decision Weights

• In Event: Sanction Perceptions, Deterrent Emotions, and Criminal Decision-Making

Abstract

Rational choice theory in criminology is based on a model of decision-making, expected utility theory (EUT), which research in both psychology and economics has shown to be descriptively inaccurate for many types of human decisions. Because of its ability to account for intuitive reasoning, prospect theory (PT) may be a viable alternative to EUT for explaining criminal choices. The present study tests several key hypotheses derived from PT about the effects of framing, reference dependence, and decision weights in crime decisions. We present findings from a series of survey-based experiments conducted with three samples: a college sample (N = 265), and two nationwide convenience samples (N = 762; N = 1,035).

Authors

• Justin Tyler Pickett, University at Albany, SUNY

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati

• Theodore Wilson, University at Albany, SUNY

• Sean Patrick Roche, Texas State University