After 27 years of research, Ohio University psychology professor G. Daniel Lassiter was named a winner of an American Psychology Association award.
Lassiter was the 2010 winner of the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research and Public Policy for his work on camera angle techniques during interrogation.
This is kind of psychology's big awards
Lassiter said, who started teaching at OU in 1987. These awards are quite prestigious so I feel quite humbled and pleased to receive the award.
Lassiter said he received a $1,000 award and will have an article on his research published in the November issue of the American Psychologist. He was also able to present his findings at the annual conference, which was held in San Diego this past August.
Video recording has been a big issue in making sure someone isn't wrongly convicted Lassiter said.
After seeing an article about recording interrogations in Time Magazine in 1983, he began researching how different camera angles can bias a jury. He found that a suspect is more likely to be found guilty if the video shown to the jurors focuses on the suspect rather than the interrogator.
All in all
I think video recording is a good thing because we need more transparency (in the legal system)
Lassiter said.
According to his research, it is always best to have a camera, but the ideal focus of the camera should be on the interrogator, not the suspect. He said focusing on the suspect and interrogator equally would also minimize juror bias.
During the research he did many experiments, including one held at the Athens County Courthouse with a former judge, local attorneys and mock jurors.
It's more of a perceived level of perception
Lassiter said. People aren't making conscious decisions about it.
New Zealand, North Carolina and Ottawa police have all made changes to their interview rooms to try to eliminate any bias. However, Lassiter said it could be at least ten years before there is mass change in interview policy.
For it to be used in every place
it's going to take many years
Lassiter said. There are some places restrictive to video recording still.
Although he has received an award, Lassiter said he might continue his research.
The true researcher never gives up
said Indiana University psychology professor and past-OU Provost Sharon Brehm. When you get completely engrossed in the process sometimes you go decades and decades.
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