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.
Section One
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?
Section Two
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 Doesn't
2
3
4 Unsure
5
6
7 Always
1) I prefer a job where I have a lot of control over what I do and when I do it.
2) I enjoy political participation because I want to have as much of a say in government as possible.
3) I try to avoid situation where somebody else tells me what to do.
4) I would rather be a leader than a follower.
5) I enjoy being able to influence the actions of others.
6) I am careful to check everything on the car before I take a long trip.
7) Others usually know what is best for me.
8) I enjoy making my own decisions.
9) I enjoy having control over my own destiny.
10) I would rather somebody else take over the leadership role when I am involved in a group project.
Section Two (continued)
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 Doesn't
2
3
4 Unsure
5
6
7 Always
11) I consider myself to be generally more capable of handling situations than others are.
12) I would rather run my own business and make my own mistakes than listen to somebody else's orders.
13) I like to get a good idea of what a job is about before I begin.
14) When I see a problem, I prefer to do something about it than sit around and let it continue.
15) When it comes to orders, I would rather give than receive.
16) I wish I could push many of life's daily decisions onto somebody else.
17) When driving, I try to avoid putting myself into a situation where I could be hurt by somebody else's mistake.
18) I prefer to avoid situations where somebody else has to tell me what I should be doing.
19) There are many situations in which I would prefer only one choice rather than having to make a decision.
20) I like to wait and see if somebody else is going to solve a problem so I don't have to be bothered by it.
Section Three
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.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
1) I’m attracted to familiar situations
2) I mostly follow the rules rather than try a fresh approach, even for new problems
3) It is best to follow the standard conventions
4) It upsets me to go into a situation without knowing what I can expect from it
5) I like people who are inconsistent all of the time
6) I don’t like situations that are uncertain
7) I find it easier to get through the day by trusting my long-held beliefs
8) I find my life is too predictable; there just aren’t enough options
9) I don’t need certainty
10) I enjoy having a clear and structured mode of life
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
11) I like to stick to the “tried and true” approach rather than “think on my feet”
12) I would be pleased if others saw me as a “consistent” person
13) I would not be pleased if others saw me as a “consistent” person
14) Most of the time I dislike being given direction, I’d rather figure things out as I go along
15) I find a consistent routine enables me to enjoy life more
16) I don’t like planning things out, I prefer keeping things uncertain
17) I prefer being in organisations where the rules are clear
18) I find a consistent routine impedes my enjoyment of life
19) I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place
20) Rules give me certainty
Section Three (continued)
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
21) I detest familiar situations
22) I mostly try a fresh approach rather than following the rules, even for familiar tasks
23) I need certainty
24) Following social rules (e.g. manners, religion, etc) helps me to cope
25) I like people who are consistent all of the time
26) I don’t need to be certain of where my life is heading
27) Following social rules (e.g. manners, religion, etc.) often stresses me
28) I enjoy being in organizations where the rules are vague
29) Even when I have a place to store something, it is rarely kept in its place
30) I tend to avoid going into a situation if I know exactly what I can expect from it
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
31) I actively look for new challenges to learn more about myself
32) Inquisitive people who ask “What if…?” annoy me
33) There is no end to the questions I have
34) I don’t really want to figure out why things happen
35) I don’t enjoy learning new things about myself
36) I’d rather stay certain of my opinions than be open-minded
37) I would not be pleased if others saw me as an inquisitive person
38) I often put myself in situations in which I could learn something new
39) I become engrossed in new ideas easily
40) I like to find out why things happen
Section Three (continued)
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
41) There is no point in me questioning my beliefs
42) I’m attracted to exploring all possibilities
43) I’d like a job trying to find the answers to new and surprising problems (e.g. detective, designer)
44) I actively test my own strengths and weaknesses
45) I like figuring out why things happen
46) I enjoy learning for its own sake
47) I am curious
48) I enjoy spending time discovering new things
49) Typically I jump at an opportunity to learn about new things
50) I don’t get engrossed in new ideas easily
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
51) I like finding out new facts about the world even if this means I need to rethink my beliefs
52) I enjoy learning new things about myself
53) I enjoy the process of discovery even if I draw a blank
54) I’m not curious
55) I hate wasting my time searching through all the possible solutions to problems
56) I like to experiment with ideas, even if they turn out to be a total waste of time
57) I consider myself to be open to all ideas
58) Typically I hesitate at an opportunity to learn new things
Section Four
For each statement, please choose either true or false depending on how you generally feel or react.
True
False
1) I sometimes litter
2) I always admit my mistakes openly and face the potential negative consequences.
3) In traffic I am always polite and considerate to others.
4) I have tried illegal drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, etc.)
5) I always accept others' opinions even when they don't agree with my own.
6) I take out my bad moods on others now and then.
7) There have been occasions where I have taken advantage of somebody else.
8) In conversations, I will always listen attentively and let others finish their sentences.
9) I never hesitate to help somebody in an emergency.
10) When I have made a promise I keep it, no "ifs" and no "buts".
True
False
11) I occasionally speak badly of others behind their backs.
12) I would never live off other people.
13) I always stay friendly and courteous with other people, even when I am stressed out.
14) During arguments I always stay objective and matter of fact.
15) There has been at least one occasion where I failed to return an item I had borrowed.
16) I always keep to a healty diet, eating only healthy food.
17) Sometimes I only help because I expect something in return.
Section Five
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statment below.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
1) It is not worth my time or effort to pay back someone who has wronged me
2) It is important to get back at people who have hurt me
3) I try to even the score with anyone who hurts me
4) It is always better not to seek vengeance
5) I live by the motto "Let bygones be bygones"
6) There is nothing wrong with getting back at someone who has hurt you
7) I don't just get mad, I get even
8) I find it easy to forgive those who have hurt me
9) I am not a vengeful person
10) I believe in the motto "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
11) Revenge is morally wrong
12) If somebody causes me trouble, I'll find a way to make them regret it
13) People who insist on getting revenge are disgusting
14) If I am wronged, I can't live with myself unless I get revenge
15) Honour requires that you get back at someone who has hurt you
16) It is usually better to show mercy than take revenge
17) Anyone who provokes me deserves the punishment I give them
18) It is always better to "turn the other cheek"
19) To have a desire for vengeance would make me feel ashamed
20) Revenge is sweet
Section Six
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each statment below.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
1) I often act on the spur of the moment without stopping to think.
2) I don't devote much thought or effort to preparing for the future.
3) I often do whatever brings me pleasure here and now, even at the cost of some distant goal.
4) I am more concerned with what happens to me in the short run than in the long run.
5) I frequently try to avoid projects I know will be difficult.
6) When things get complicated, I tend to quit or withdraw.
7) The things in life that are easiest to do bring me the most pleasure.
8) I dislike really hard tasks that stretch my abilities to the limit.
9) I like to test myself every now and then by doing something a little risky.
10) Sometimes I will take a risk just for the fun of it.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
11) I sometimes find it exciting to do things for which I might get in trouble.
12) Excitement and adventure are more important to me than security.
Section Six (continued)
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
13) If I had a choice, I would almost always rather do something physical than something mental.
14) I almost always feel better when I am on the move than when I am sitting and thinking.
15) I like to get out and do things more than I like to read or contemplate ideas.
16) I seem to have more energy and a greater need for activity than most people my age.
17) I try to look out for myself first, even if it means making things difficult for other people.
18) I am not very sympathetic to other people when they are having problems.
19) If things I do upset people, it's their problem, not mine.
20) I will try to get the things I want even when I know it's causing problems.
21) I lose my temper pretty easily.
22) Often, when I'm angry at people, I feel more like hurting them than talking to them about why I'm angry.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
23) When I'm really angry, other people better stay away from me.
24) When I'm having a serious disagreement with someone, it's usually hard for me to talk calmly about without getting upset.
Section Seven
Please read each statement and choose the response that best describes how you feel.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
1) Some groups of people are simply inferior to other groups
2) In getting what you want, it is sometimes necessary to use force against other groups
3) It’s OK if some groups have more of a chance in life than others
4) To get ahead in life, it is sometimes necessary to step on other groups
5) If certain groups stayed in their place, we would have fewer problems
6) It’s probably a good thing that certain groups are at the top and other groups are at the bottom
7) Inferior groups should stay in their place
8) Sometimes other groups must be kept in their place
9) It would be good if groups could be equal
10) Group equality should be our ideal
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
11) All groups should be given an equal chance in life
12) We should do what we can to equalise conditions for different groups
13) We should strive towards increased social equality
14) We would have fewer problems if we treated people more equally
15) We should strive to make incomes as equal as possible
16) No group should dominate in society
Section Eight
Please read each statement and choose the response that best describes how you feel.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
1) It bothers me when other people neglect my needs
2) When making a decision I take other people’s needs and feelings into account
3) I’m not especially sensitive to other people’s feelings
4) I don’t consider myself to be a particularly helpful person
5) I believe people should go out of their way to be helpful
6) I don’t especially enjoy giving others aid
7) I expect people I know to be responsive to my needs and feelings
8) I often go out of my way to help another person
9) I believe it is best not to get involved taking care of other people’s personal needs
10) I’m not the sort of person who often comes to the aid of others
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Not Sure
Agree
Strongly Agree
11) When I have a need, I turn to others I know for help
12) When people get emotionally upset, I tend to avoid them
13) People should keep their troubles to themselves
14) When I have a need that others ignore, I’m hurt
Section Nine
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).
1) The established authorities generally turn out to be right about things, while the radicals and protestors are usually just “loud mouths” showing off their ignorance
2) Women should have to promise to obey their husbands when they get married
3) Our country desperately needs a mighty leader who will do what has to be done to destroy the radical new ways and sinfulness that are ruining us
4) Gays and lesbians are just as healthy and moral as anybody else
5) It is always better to trust the judgment of the proper authorities in government and religion than to listen to the noisy rabble-rousers in our society who are trying to create doubt in people’s minds
6) Atheists and others who have rebelled against the established religions are no doubt every bit as good and virtuous as those who attend church regularly
7) The only way our country can get through the crisis ahead is to get back to our traditional values, put some tough leaders in power, and silence the troublemakers spreading bad ideas
8) There is absolutely nothing wrong with nudist camps
9) Our country needs free thinkers who have the courage to defy traditional ways, even if this upsets many people
10) Our country will be destroyed someday if we do not smash the perversions eating away at our moral fibre and traditional beliefs
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
+3
+4
11) Everyone should have their own lifestyle, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences, even if it makes them different from everyone else
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
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
+3
+4
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
Section Ten
1) In general, would you say that sentences handed down by the courts are:
Not at all confident
Not very confident
Fairly confident
Very confident
2) How confident are you that the criminal justice system is effective in bringing people who commit crimes to justice?
3) How confident are you that the criminal justice system meets the needs of victims of crime?
4) How confident are you that the criminal justice system respects the rights of people accused of committing a crime?
5) How confident are you that the criminal justice system treats people accused of a crime fairly?
Section Eleven
Gender
Age
Highest Educational Level
Main Employment
If you have multiple roles, please choose the one you identify with most strongly.
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