The complexity of burglars' responses to empathy cues: A multi-method investigation

Abstract

There is limited research regarding situational variation in empathy among offenders or whether certain cues can affect offense choices by inducing empathy. This study explored that question with a sample of incarcerated burglars. Participants provided qualitative evaluations of pictured homes and completed a written survey in which they numerically rated the impact of specific home features on their target choices. This permitted some assessment of methodological and social desirability effects across the photographic and survey methods. The results indicated that empathy cues (e.g., signs of children or the elderly) may deter some burglars from potential targets, but even apparent empathetic deterrence may result from alternative interpretations of the cues or the interaction of those items with other home features.