Complicity in Torture Effects Perceptions of Guilt, Suggests Study
November 2nd, 2009
Recent debates about the acceptability of torture in certain situations has led to renewed academic interest in the subject, and a study at Harvard University has examined the effects of complicity on perceptions of guilt among people submitted to pain or stress. The study split participants into those who met and did not meet a woman who was later heard being “tortured” over an intercom by having her hand placed in ice water, based on the accusation that she had cheated to secure money. Those participants who met the woman and responded to the feigned torture reported higher levels of suspected guilt the more the woman appeared to suffer, whereas those who did not meet the woman–-thus not taking part in the witnessing of ongoing torture–were more likely to suspect less guilt as apparent pain level and distress rose. The study may have important implications for understanding the psychology of torture administration and prevention.
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Comments
The response depends on various factors, like the nature of the person, and even their perception of the woman…
This is a bit weird i think because the people who met her should have reacted in a more caring way towards the woman than those who didnt…
That’s a very interesting study. I guess they should also look into different factors as well.
I agree with Eddie. It seems like people would have more sympathy and concern for the woman after having met her. Maybe they had aready come to a conclusion about her guilt or innocence before the end of the project.
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