Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
While research has shown gender differences in emotional and moral responses to crime, few studies have examined how factors such as crime severity, perpetrator gender, and monetary value interact to shape these perceptions. The present study explores these relationships in an area with limited prior investigation, contributing to a broader understanding of gendered moral judgment. Participants completed a survey featuring twelve randomized scenarios that varied in crime severity, perpetrator gender, and stolen item value. They rated their levels of trust, sympathy, and willingness to help after each scenario. This design allowed for a nuanced exploration of how moral and emotional evaluations shift across contexts. Although results did not yield statistically significant effects, the study highlights the importance of continued research into gender-based perceptions of crime and demonstrates a methodological framework for investigating subtle psychological patterns that may emerge with larger or more targeted sample.
Disciplines
Psychology | Social Psychology
Publication Date
2025
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Erin Austin
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sexton, Brianna P., "The Gender Gap in Crime Perception: Exploring How Severity and Stereotypes Influence Individuals" (2025). 2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive. 37.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2025/37