Recognizing Risk: An Experimental Conjoint Study

• In Event: Victimization: Risk, Perceptions of Risk, and Stigma

Abstract

Two theoretical perspectives - lifestyles and routine activities theories (L/RAT) - argue that there is a direct link between lifestyles and exposure to victimization risk, and emphasize the convergence of three key factors: motivated offenders, suitable targets, lack of capable guardians. Research has documented that exposure to high-risk times, places, and people vary because of demographics or traits that influence lifestyles. Arguably, exposure to environments conducive to victimization could also be related to perceptional differences in how people judge the dangerousness of situations. Using a conjoint experiment, which allows researchers to study the independent effects on features of complex, multidimensional concepts while simultaneously controlling for each dimension of the construct, we analyze how different activities, locations, and temporal elements influence perceived risk. Preliminary findings indicate that substance use has the strongest effect on risk perceptions followed by the time of the activity. Familiarity with the location affected individuals’ risk assessments in a predictable manner. Perceptions of guardianship—whether through the physical presence of security personnel or police versus the presence of security cameras—yield similar effects on perceived risk. These findings contribute to our understanding of routine activities theory by highlighting the nuanced ways individuals interpret risk in everyday contexts.

Authors

• Michelle N. Harris, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Andrew T. Krajewski, University of Texas at Dallas

• Carla Helm, University of North Carolina at Charlotte