Final answer:
The cognitive dissonance model explains how jury influence can occur, as jurors' beliefs and attitudes can be influenced and changed in order to reduce discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cognitive dissonance model can explain jury influence by understanding how beliefs and attitudes can be influenced and changed in order to reduce psychological discomfort. When jurors are presented with conflicting evidence or information that challenges their initial beliefs about a case, they may experience cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, jurors may either change their beliefs or behaviors, or they may discount or reinterpret the conflicting evidence in a way that aligns with their initial beliefs.
For example, if a juror initially believes that the defendant is guilty but is presented with evidence that contradicts this belief, they may experience cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, the juror may either change their belief and vote for acquittal, or they may discount or reinterpret the conflicting evidence in a way that supports their initial belief of guilt.
This cognitive dissonance model helps explain how jury influence can occur, as jurors' beliefs and attitudes can be shaped and influenced by the evidence and arguments presented during a trial.