NCJ Number
84630
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (1981) Pages: 212-230
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Feminist analyses of rape hypothesize that adherence to rape myths affects the inclusiveness or restrictiveness of definitions, with numerous practical consequences. This research supports that hypothesis.
Abstract
The paper shows that a theory-based understanding of the dynamic relationship between rape myths and rape definitions helps pinpoint some past inadequacies of rape research and contributes some important substantive insights. Using data collected from a random sample of the general public, the paper demonstrates the usefulness of some of the suggested techniques. In particular, semantic differential and open-ended variables included in the research design and subsequent analysis are shown to explain substantially more variance in defining vignettes as rape and willingness to convict as models which exclude these variables. The further the analysis went beyond routine analysis of variance, the more understanding of rape definitions resulted. Five reference notes and 23 references are provided. (Author summary modified)