Stereotyping a Killer: Perceptions of Guilt, Deserved Punishment and Character of Mass Murderers and Killers

• Main Author: Underhill, Holly J
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarship @ Claremont 2013
• Subjects: Mass Murder; Terrorism; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/253; http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1221&context=scripps_theses

Attitudes of guilt, deserved punishment, and character of terrorists and mass murderers are examined in a hypothetical written scenario of a murder involving several casualties. The researcher hypothesizes that terrorists will be given harsher punishments. It is also hypothesized that White suspects will receive the least harsh punishments compared to the other suspects. The researcher also hypothesized that terrorists would be found guiltier than mass murderers. Results found that there were no significant differences in the punishments given to terrorists and mass murderers or between the races of the suspects. Results show no significant differences in the levels of guilt assigned by participants. Limitations and future research suggestions are discussed.