Degree Date
7-2022
Document Type
Dissertation - Public Access
Degree Name
Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Academic Discipline
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Sandra Zakowski, PhD
Second Advisor
Kristen Carney-Newberry, Psy.D.
Third Advisor
Margarete Ronnett, Psy.D.
Abstract
Public perception of crime is an important focus of research, especially when considering juvenile offenders. However, there is very limited research in this area. This study looked at how the public perceives crime seriousness and how race of the juvenile offender impacts the overall seriousness rating. An online survey that included 15 crime scenarios was completed by 176 participants. It was hypothesized that a crime would be rated as more severe when the juvenile offender is African American as compared to a Caucasian juvenile offender. Results found that participants overall rated the seriousness of offenses as significantly higher for Caucasian offenders than for African American offenders.
Recommended Citation
Whitaker, Megan, "The Impact of Juvenile Offender Race on Public Perception of Crime Seriousness" (2022). Dissertations. 676.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/676
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Juvenile Law Commons, Law and Race Commons, Social Justice Commons