Date of Award
Spring 5-14-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Psychology
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Cynthia Calkins
Second Reader
Elizabeth Jeglic
Third Advisor
Rebecca Weiss
Abstract
Public perceptions impact the formation of sex offender policy, yet much of what the public knows about sex crimes is based in stereotypical narratives provided by the media. The present study investigated the effects of media exposure on perceptions of sexual offending and the efficacy of residence restrictions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three media exposure groups and then asked about their opinions about sexual offending and residence restrictions. Results indicated that participants who viewed sensationalized media reports were more likely than individuals who viewed informed media and no media to endorse more stereotypical views of individuals convicted of a sex offense and were more likely to believe that residence restrictions are effective in reducing sex crimes. These findings will be discussed as they pertain to sexual violence policy.
Recommended Citation
Simeone, Stephanie, "The Effects of Media Exposure on Perceptions of Residence Restrictions" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/60
Included in
Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons