Sex differences in eyewitness reports of criminal assaults

Citation

MacLeod M & Shepherd JW (1986) Sex differences in eyewitness reports of criminal assaults. Medicine, Science and the Law, 26 (4), pp. 311-318. http://msl.sagepub.com/content/26/4/311.short

Abstract
This study examines the controversy regarding the presence of sex differences in eyewitness behaviour using data derived from 379 statements concerning 135 cases of real-life assaults. Two questions are considered: (1) is the presence of a sex difference dependent on the level of violence witnessed? And (2) is the presence of a sex difference dependent on the specific type of information reported? The results indicate that sex differences in eyewitnessing can be dependent upon both of these factors but that their effects appear to be more subtle than had been anticipated. The findings are discussed in the light of existing research, and recommendations for future research are considered.

Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law: Volume 26, Issue 4

People

Professor Malcolm MacLeod

Professor