Make me a believer: examining the effect of cautionary instructions on the evaluation of alibi evidence

Eyewitness researchers have examined the use of cautionary instructions to improve juror understanding of the law and as a framework to help evaluate eyewitness evidence. The application of cautionary instructions has yet to be examined in the alibi context. The current study used a 2 (alibi instructions: present vs absent) x2 (alibi strength: strong vs weak) x2 (alibi consistency: consistent vs inconsistent) mixed design. Mock jurors (N = 243) were randomly assigned to one instruction condition. They all assessed four alibis and provided ratings of alibi believability, guilt, and confidence. They completed a quiz on alibi evidence to assess participants’ instruction comprehension. While alibi-based cautionary instructions may increase juror comprehension of alibi evidence, it does not guarantee this information will be applied. Mock jurors did not show a significant difference in believability, guilt, and confidence ratings based on their instruction condition. Implications, limitations and directions for future work are discussed. Keywords: Alibi, legal decision-making, cautionary instructions, juror