Assessing the Impact of Movement and Gait on Perceived Vulnerability

• In Event: Predicting Victimization: Opportunity and Protective Factors

Abstract

Research indicates that offenders select victims by evaluating a variety of environmental and individual cues. One such cue may be a would-be victim’s gait or walking style. To test this hypothesis, we combine a traditional vignette survey design with point-light videos to isolate the impact of movement organization from other contextual factors. The point-light videos allow participants the opportunity to appraise the would-be victim’s vulnerability to victimization across different levels of movement organization. Using an experimental design, we compare perceptions of vulnerability across movement organization and video-type (e.g., context-inclusive and movement-isolated). Results and directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Rachel Kail, University of Cincinnati

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati

• Cory P. Haberman, University of Cincinnati