OBSERVER'S REPORTING OF SHOPLIFTING AS A FUNCTION OF THIEF'S RACE AND SEX

• NCJ Number: 17843
• Journal: Journal of Social Psychology Volume: 94, SECOND HALF Dated: (DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 213-221
• Author(s): M C DERTKE; L A PENNER; K ULRICH
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 9 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare
• Corporate Author: Journal Press
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS STUDY INVESTIGATED THE REPORTING OF A CLEARLY OBSERVED THEFT AS A FUNCTION OF THE RACE AND SEX OF THE THIEF AND THE SEX OF THE OBSERVER.

Abstract

TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY WHITE MALE AND FEMALE SHOPPERS WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY EITHER SPONTANEOUSLY TO REPORT AN ACT OF SHOPLIFTING OR TO CONFIRM THE FACT THAT THE THEFT HAD OCCURRED BY RESPONDING AFFIRMATIVELY TO A DIRECT QUESTION. THEFTS WERE PERPETRATED BY A WHITE MALE, WHITE FEMALE, BLACK MALE, OR BLACK FEMALE CONFEDERATE. BLACKS WERE REPORTED/CONFIRMED MORE OFTEN THEN WHITES. THE RESULTS WERE DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF (A) BEHAVIORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF RACE PREJUDICE AND (B) PRIOR RESEARCH ON VICTIM CHARACTERISTICS AND HELPING. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)