An Experimental Approach to Testing Anti-Sexual Assault Policy Compliance

• In Event: Victimization in Schools and on College Campuses

Abstract

My research utilized a controlled experiment to investigate increasing compliance with college
sexual assault prevention policies by adjusting policy framing, specifically, the language used in
said policies. I hypothesized that the use of gendered language in such policies reinforces
traditional gender beliefs and affects compliance differently than gender-neutral language. To test
this, I conducted an online experiment in which self-identified heterosexual male participants
were randomly assigned to five experimental conditions, each with a different policy framing.
Participants recorded themselves reading a student handbook policy and then reported their
support and intention to comply. Contrary to the hypotheses, the gender-neutral language had no
effect on total policy compliance, while sexual assault language significantly influenced
compliance. Policy support and likelihood to report infractions were higher with traditional
sexual assault language. The study's uniqueness lies in its randomized experimental design to
assess the impact of policy language on behavioral intentions, rather than attitude measures
alone.

Author

• Kirstie Boyett, Lamar University