Unveiling the Truth : The Effect of Muslim Garments and Face Covering on the Perceived Credibility of a Victim’s Court Testimony

Fahmy, Weyam and Snook, Brent and Luther, Kirk and McCardle, Meagan (2019) Unveiling the Truth : The Effect of Muslim Garments and Face Covering on the Perceived Credibility of a Victim’s Court Testimony. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 51 (1). pp. 53-60. ISSN 0008-400X

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Abstract

The perceived credibility of a sexual assault victim’s court testimony was examined. A 2 (Face Covered: No, Yes) x 2 (Muslim Garment: No, Yes) between-participant design was used. Participants (N = 120) were assigned to watch one of four videos of a sexual assault victim providing testimony, and asked to rate her credibility. The effect of Muslim Garment on victim credibility ratings was significant; the victim was perceived as more credible when she wore a niqab or hijab compared to when she did not wear either of these garments. The effect of Face Covering on credibility ratings was non-significant, and the interaction was non-significant. The implications for women who wear Muslim garments while testifying about sexual assault are discussed.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science
Additional Information:
© Copyright 2018 Canadian Psychological Association. All rights reserved. "This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the CPA journal. It is not the copy of record."
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3200
Subjects:
?? general psychologypsychology(all) ??
ID Code:
127086
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
24 Aug 2018 12:46
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
31 Aug 2024 23:53