Graduate Sarah (Cotton) Rutledge publishes psychology article

December 01, 2009
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292

Sarah (Cotton) Rutledge and Dr. Geoffrey Sutton

Springfield, Mo — Evangel graduate Sarah (Cotton) Rutledge had an article titled “Crime Presentation and Eyewitness’ Gender Influences on Recall Accuracy and Confidence” published in the Journal of Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 14.

Rutledge also received an award from the Journal for excellence in undergraduate research.

The article was coauthored with Dr. Geoffrey W. Sutton, her faculty supervisor.

During 2005-2006, Rutledge conducted a research project with supervision and assistance from Dr. Sutton testing the reliability of an eyewitness to crimes. She tested if witnesses were more reliable if they saw a crime live or if they watched a recorded crime on a large projector screen. She also tested differences between male and female eyewitnesses. The research results are summarized in her article.

“I am very thankful for Dr. Fulks, Professor Cirtin, and especially Dr. Sutton. Without all of their help, I would have never been able to complete my research or get published,” said Rutledge.

Rutledge, a 2006 graduate of Evangel, earned her master’s degree in counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 2009. She is the daughter of Dr. Roger and Bonnie Cotton, Springfield, Mo., and wife of Matt Rutledge, Blue Springs, Mo.

Dr. Sutton is a 1972 graduate of Evangel. His Ph.D. was earned from the University of Missouri in 1981, and he taught psychology classes at Evangel from 2002 to 2009.

For additional information, contact Dr. Grant Jones at 417-865-2815 ext. 8619.