Date of Award
January 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Alison Kelly
Abstract
Previous research on the weapon focus effect suggests that weapon presence causes reduced memory accuracy for perpetrator details due to weapons being surprising and unexpected. The unusualness hypothesis suggests that a stronger weapon focus effect should occur when the perpetrator defies typical gender stereotypes, such as a woman holding a gun. The current study sought to examine how the weapon focus effect impacts eyewitness memory for male and female perpetrators, specifically exploring the magnitude of the effect on female perpetrators. The current study further investigated whether the own gender bias attenuates the weapon focus effect on memory for female perpetrators. Participants viewed one of four stimulus videos depicting a simulated home invasion, where the critical object was either a phone (neutral) or a handgun (weapon) and the perpetrator was either male or female. Participants then completed a brief filler task and a memory questionnaire. While the typical effect of unusualness based on object type was found, there were no significant main effects or interactions. Explanations for why this may have happened are outlined, as well as implications for future research.
Recommended Citation
Aasen, Faith Christel, "The Weapon Focus Effect On Memory For Male And Female Perpetrators" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 7087.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/7087