Hello,
As part of their final year psychology research project at Charles Sturt University, Ms Melissa Attwood, Ms Linda Casuarina, Mr William Mackay, Mr Thomas McCoy, and Ms Chloe Weekes seek your participation in a study investigating the kinds of sentences people think are appropriate for different crimes.
You are asked to complete the following questionnaire about a hypothetical crime and the kind of sentence you think is appropriate. There are also some questions asking about your thoughts and feelings more generally.
Please note that your responses are confidential and that you will not be able to be identified in any way. It is anticipated the questionnaire will take about 30 minutes. Your answers will form the basis of reports to be submitted by the above students in completion of their course requirements. It is also possible that the information may be included in a published journal article.
It is not anticipated that you will experience any distress or discomfort as a result of taking part in this study. If you do, you could either contact the study coordinators on the number given above, or if the matter is more serious, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Note also that participation is entirely voluntary and that you may stop at any time.
In appreciation for your help, at the end of the questionnaire you will have the chance to enter a draw to win a double pass to see a movie of your choice.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Andrew McGrath and Dr James Schuurmans-Stekhoven Lecturers in Psychology School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies
Please Note: The School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies Ethics Committee has approved this project. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Executive Officer:
School of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies Ethics Committee Charles Sturt University Panorama Avenue BATHURST NSW 2795
Phone: (02) 6338 4570
Before we start, could you please tell us who referred you to this questionnaire? (This should be shown on the e-mail or piece of paper that got you to this website).
Thank you. Now please start the questionnaire by clicking the Continue button.
John, 22 years old conceals a popular new CD under his coat and walks out of the record store without paying for it. A hidden camera detects him and a security patrol arrests him as he is leaving the store with the stolen goods. Records show several similar instances of this kind of theft had been committed by John in the past.
1) How severe a punishment should this offence attract?
2) How long a prison sentence do you think John should get?
3) If you found out that John had an inoperable brain tumour which caused his behaviour:
a) how would this affect your answer about the severity of the punishment?
b) how would this affect your answer about the length of the prison sentence?
4) How serious was the crime?
5) To what extent were you morally outraged by the crime?
6) To what extent is John likely to commit similar crimes in the future?
Please read each statement and choose the extent to which you think it applies to you.
1 = Does not apply to me at all 2 = Usually does not apply to me 3 = Most often does not apply to me 4 = Not sure, or applies to me about half the time 5 = Applies to me more often than not 6 = Usually applies to me 7 = Always applies to me
1 = Does not apply to me at all 2 = Usually does not apply to me 3 = Most often does not apply to me 4 = Not sure, or applies to me about half the time 5 = Applies to me more often than not 6 = Usually applies to me 7 = Always applies to me
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statment below. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. Just respond to each item in the way that best describes how you feel. Even though some items sound similar to others, please try to answer all the items. Also, make sure you read each statement carefully as some items are worded negatively.
Section Three (continued)
Section Three (continued)
For each statement, please choose either true or false depending on how you generally feel or react.
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statment below.
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statment below.
Please read each statement and choose the response that best describes how you feel.
Please read each statement and choose the response that best describes how you feel.
Please read each statement and choose the response that best describes how you feel.
Important: You may find that you sometimes have different reactions to different parts of a statement. For example, you might very strongly disagree (“-4") with one idea in a statement, but slightly agree (“+1") with another idea in the same item. When this happens, please combine your reactions, and write down how you feel on balance (a “-3" in this case).
-4 = Very Strongly Disagree -3 = Strongly Disagree -2 = Moderately Disagree -1 = Slightly Disagree 0 = Neutral +1 = Slightly Agree +2 = Moderately Agree +3 = Strongly Agree +4 = Very Strongly Agree
-4 = Very Strongly Disagree -3 = Strongly Disagree -2 = Moderately Disagree -1 = Slightly Disagree 0 = Neutral +1 = Slightly Agree +2 = Moderately Agree +3 = Strongly Agree +4 = Very Strongly Agree
| | | | | | | | | | 12) The “old-fashioned ways” and the “old-fashioned values” still show the best way to live | | | | | | | | | | | 13) You have to admire those who challenged the law and the majority’s view by protesting for women’s abortion rights, for animal rights, or to abolish school prayer | | | | | | | | | | | 14) What our country really needs is a strong, determined leader who will crush evil, and take us back to our true path | | | | | | | | | | | 15) Some of the best people in our country are those who are challenging our government, criticising religion, and ignoring the “normal way things are supposed to be done” | | | | | | | | | | | 16) God’s laws about abortion, pornography and marriage must be strictly followed before it is too late, and those who break them must be strongly punished | | | | | | | | | | | 17) There are many radical, immoral people in our country today, who are trying to ruin it for their own godless purposes, whom the authorities should put out of action | | | | | | | | | | | 18) A “woman’s place” should be wherever she wants to be. The days when women are submissive to their husbands and social conventions belong strictly in the past | | | | | | | | | | | 19) Our country will be great if we honour the ways of our forefathers, do what the authorities tell us to do, and get rid of the “rotten apples” who are ruining everything | | | | | | | | | | | 20) There is no “one right way” to live life; everybody has to create their own way | | | | | | | | | | | 21) Homosexuals and feminists should be praised for being brave enough to defy traditional family values | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 22) This country would work a lot better if certain groups of troublemakers would just shut up and accept their group’s traditional place in society | | | | | | | | | | |
1) In general, would you say that sentences handed down by the courts are:
Highest Educational Level
Main Employment
If you have multiple roles, please choose the one you identify with most strongly.
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