EXTREMISTS OR BELIEVERS? RELIGIOUS SALIENCE, LITERALNESS, ATTRIBUTION STYLES AND ATTITUDES TOWARD THE DEATH PENALTY AMONG STUDENTS: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF MAIN AND MODERATING EFFECTS

ABSTRACT

This study examines the relationships between religious affiliation, religious salience, religious literalness, attribution styles and attitudes toward the death penalty. We also examine the moderating effects that religion has on the relationship between attribution and attitudes toward the death penalty. Control variables examined are previous victimization, political affiliation, race, gender, and education. Data for the study were collected from a sample of university students that attend a religiously affiliated institution (RAI). All respondents resided in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Results indicate that attribution styles and religious literalness effect attitudes toward the death penalty. Further, the relationship between attribution and attitudes is moderated by religious salience. This study was conducted during the aftermath of the sniper shootings, and the impact that these events had on the study and the respondents are also discussed.