Predictors of Attitudes towards Capital Punishment and its Re-introduction

Alam, Sabrina (2015) Predictors of Attitudes towards Capital Punishment and its Re-introduction. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the possible predictors of attitudes towards capital punishment and its re-introduction within the British public. Research previously conducted concerning this topic has found that demographic characteristics such as race and age have significantly contributed towards one’s attitude regarding capital punishment. In the present study, other possible predictor variables such ‘belief in retribution’, ‘support of the death penalty’, ‘fear of crime’ and ‘personality’, as well as demographic characteristics such as ‘location’ and ‘gender’ were examined to observe how these predictor variables can contribute towards one’s attitude concerning capital punishment. In order to investigate this notion, a cross-sectional quantitative method was used with a questionnaire method of data collection. To determine which variable was the most significant predictor, a multiple regression analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical analysis programme to acquire the results. The results were able to establish that the most significant predictor favouring the re-introduction of capital punishment was one’s support of the death penalty. Whilst examining one’s sympathy towards an offender facing capital punishment, it was determined that supporting the death penalty was the most pivotal predictor, additionally, this was affected by one’s location and belief in retribution.