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Linda Pelow
Psychology

Robert Mauro, Mentor

Effects of Computer Simulation as Expert Testimony Evidence on Jury Decision Making

The rapidly advancing technology, increasing number of civil cases, and growing tendency of expert witnesses to use various technologies make it necessary to understand how computer-simulated evidence impacts juror decision-making. One argument is that computer simulations may provide more vivid images than diagrams or verbal testimony, allowing jurors to visualize certain aspects of the case, but from a biased perspective, producing a direct disproportionate effect on jury verdicts. The current study is one of the few to focus on this issue, replicating and expanding the work of former University of Oregon graduate student, Ryan Fisher, who studied the effects of computer simulation on mock jury trials. Fisher’s 1997 study indicated that computer simulations could have a significant effect on juror decision-making when used by the plaintiff’s expert witness. The original study was based on an actual airplane collision that resulted in a civil lawsuit against the airplane manufacturer. Results of the current study, however, show little or no effect on juror decision-making. Further investigation is required to resolve these conflicting results.