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Evanson Final Thesis.pdf (1.12 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Examining Female Gamers’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Behaviors in the Gaming Community

Evanson, Michele Desiree
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1494336910328406

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Arts, Marietta College, Psychology.
In recent years video games have grown into a mainstream pastime. The internet and use of social media have made it easier for gamers to interact, and have made communications open to the public. Recent public displays of harassment have led to discussions of sexism in gaming culture. Gaming is generally considered a male dominated culture, and previous research on the impact of video games on problematic behavior predominantly focused on males. We now know female gamers are a prominent demographic (ESA, 2015; Stuart, 2014), and since they are often the target of sexual harassment it is important to examine their perspective of these behaviors. This study surveyed female gamers in order to identify their general attitudes towards and perceptions of sexual harassment. Similarly to previous research, attitudes and perceptions of sexual harassment were negatively related; greater tolerance towards sexual harassment led to identifying fewer behaviors as sexual harassment. The hypothesis that participants who predominantly played Mature rated games would lead to more tolerant attitudes of sexual harassment was not upheld. Exploratory analysis found that the role-playing and sports genres were significantly related to general sexual harassment attitudes. Interest in the sports genre was positively related to tolerant attitudes of sexual harassment. However, interest in the role-playing genre was negatively related, as interest in role-playing games increased, participants had less tolerant attitudes of sexual harassment. Finally, examining aspects beyond sex such as gender role orientation is discussed as a direction for future research.
Mary Barnas (Advisor)
Alicia Doerflinger (Committee Member)
60 p.
Psychology
video games, sexual harassment, female gamers, video game players

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Evanson, M. D. (2017). Examining Female Gamers’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Behaviors in the Gaming Community [Master's thesis, Marietta College]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1494336910328406

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Evanson, Michele. Examining Female Gamers’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Behaviors in the Gaming Community. 2017. Marietta College, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1494336910328406.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Evanson, Michele. "Examining Female Gamers’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Behaviors in the Gaming Community." Master's thesis, Marietta College, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1494336910328406

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

marietta1494336910328406
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This open access ETD is published by Marietta College and OhioLINK.