This paper considers the effect of emotional processes in the outcome of a medical-psychological assessment of traffic law offenders. Perception by assessor and client can be altered by cognitive, attributive and emotional processes and this affects the objectivity of the assessment. Theories on these processes are examined. To test these, the assessor was asked to note perceptions before and after interviewing a client, based on a list of descriptions. Clients were divided into alcohol and traffic offenders. About three-quarters of the evaluations and attributions remained the same before and after the interview. This may be caused by the effect of experience in the assessors. It is seen as important that these variables are recognised and controlled. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Samenvatting