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Contextual Influences on Detecting the Presence of a Firearm

Citation

Bogar, Ashley L.. (2015). Contextual Influences on Detecting the Presence of a Firearm. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/bogar_idaho_0089n_10561.html

Title:
Contextual Influences on Detecting the Presence of a Firearm
Author:
Bogar, Ashley L.
Date:
2015
Keywords:
Context Detection Firearm Law enforcement
Program:
Psychology
Subject Category:
Psychology; Cognitive psychology; Occupational psychology
Abstract:

Research examining use of firearms by law enforcement has largely focused on issues such as racial bias or conditions of cognitive load or stress. The present study takes a more foundational approach by examining use of firearms as a problem of basic perception. Detection of firearms was examined within the framework of environmental factors and contextual influences, and compared performance between participants with and without law enforcement training. The sample comprised twenty law enforcement officers and twenty individuals drawn from the local community. Each participant completed a firearm detection task, during which reaction times and signal detection indices were recorded. Slower reaction times and greater overall accuracy of detection was predicted among participants with law enforcement training. Results suggest a pattern of greater detection accuracy by law enforcement participants, as well as expand the understanding of factors underlying the decision-making process involved in the use of deadly force.

Description:
masters, M.S., Psychology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2015
Major Professor:
Barton, Benjamin K.
Committee:
Thorsteinson, Todd; Folwell, Annette
Defense Date:
2015
Identifier:
Bogar_idaho_0089N_10561
Type:
Text
Format Original:
PDF
Format:
application/pdf

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