Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
The Impacts of Conservatism, Social Dominance, and Rape Myth Acceptance on Blame Attribution in Ambiguous Rape
Emily Rosewood1, Laura Hammond1
1Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
Participants (N = 496) reviewed an ambiguous rape scenario involving a "perpetrator," either in a high or low authority position, and a "victim," who had or had not consumed alcohol. They indicated whether they viewed what happened as rape, and rated the perceived responsibility of the individuals involved. They also completed Conservatism and Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) scales. Most believed the scenario to constitute rape. Perpetrator responsibility ratings were highest in the high-authority condition, and victims were assigned greater responsibility when they had consumed alcohol. Those who scored higher on the Conservatism/RMA scale attributed less responsibility to the perpetrator and more responsibility to the victim across all conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Fundamental Attribution Error
Attribution Theory
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Bystander Effect
Social Facilitation
Bullying

