In the new study, the Sentencing Commission conducted a separate analysis that excluded sentences of probation.

WSJ: Wide Racial Divide in Sentencing

Researchers criticized its analysis for including sentences of probation, which they argued amplified the demographic differences.

WSJ: Wide Racial Divide in Sentencing

Psychologists call this the "levels-of-processing" effect, since sentences that require extra levels of analysis are more likely to get remembered.

WSJ: How E-Readers Change the Way We Read | Head Case by Jonah Lehrer