Which group may be more susceptible to providing false confessions due to low intelligence?

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the IAI Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Enhance your skills and get ready for the exam confidently!

The group that may be more susceptible to providing false confessions due to low intelligence is mentally handicapped individuals. Research and psychological studies indicate that individuals with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in understanding complex situations, including police interrogations. Their cognitive limitations can lead to difficulties in comprehending the implications of their statements and the interrogation process itself. This can result in an increased likelihood of yielding to pressure during questioning or not fully grasping the consequences of confessing to a crime, even if they did not commit it.

Moreover, mentally handicapped individuals may exhibit a desire to please authority figures, leading them to agree with or acquiesce to demands made during interrogations, even if those requests conflict with their actual experiences. This vulnerability can be exploited by aggressive or manipulative interrogation techniques, heightening the risk of obtaining unreliable confessions.

In contrast, individuals from the other groups listed typically possess a higher level of cognitive function and education, equipping them with better analytical skills and an improved understanding of their rights and the implications of confessing. This can act as a protective factor against the pressures that lead to false confessions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy