Holding a gun makes you think others are too, new research shows

[StreetScooby 5]

Interested in folks thoughts on this one...
http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/29684-holding-a-gun-makes-you-think-others-are-too-new-research-shows/

========================================================================================

From Notre Dame university:

Notre Dame News

Holding a gun makes you think others are too, new research shows
Susan Guibert • Date: March 19, 2012
Share ThisPosted In: Research

Seeing guns in the hands of others

Wielding a gun increases a person’s bias to see guns in the hands of others, new research from the University of Notre Dame shows.

Notre Dame Associate Professor of Psychology James Brockmole, who specializes in human cognition and how the visual world guides behavior, together with a colleague from Purdue University, conducted the study, which will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.

In five experiments, subjects were shown multiple images of people on a computer screen and determined whether the person was holding a gun or a neutral object such as a soda can or cell phone. Subjects did this while holding either a toy gun or a neutral object such as a foam ball.

The researchers varied the situation in each experiment — such as having the people in the images sometimes wear ski masks, changing the race of the person in the image or changing the reaction subjects were to have when they perceived the person in the image to hold a gun. Regardless of the situation the observers found themselves in, the study showed that responding with a gun biased observers to report “gun present” more than did responding with a ball. Thus, by virtue of affording the subject the opportunity to use a gun, he or she was more likely to classify objects in a scene as a gun and, as a result, to engage in threat-induced behavior, such as raising a firearm to shoot.

“Beliefs, expectations and emotions can all influence an observer’s ability to detect and to categorize objects as guns,” Brockmole says. “Now we know that a person’s ability to act in certain ways can bias their recognition of objects as well, and in dramatic ways. It seems that people have a hard time separating their thoughts about what they perceive and their thoughts about how they can or should act.”

The researchers showed that the ability to act is a key factor in the effects by showing that simply letting observers see a nearby gun did not influence their behavior; holding and using the gun was important.

“One reason we supposed that wielding a firearm might influence object categorization stems from previous research in this area, which argues that people perceive the spatial properties of their surrounding environment in terms of their ability to perform an intended action,” Brockmole says.

For example, other research has shown that people with broader shoulders tend to perceive doorways to be narrower, and softball players with higher batting averages perceive the ball to be bigger. The blending of perception and action representations could explain, in part, why people holding a gun would tend to assume others are, too.

“In addition to the theoretical implications for event perception and object identification, these findings have practical implications for law enforcement and public safety,” Brockmole says.

Contact: James Brockmole, 574-631-7257, james.brockmole@nd.edu

We are all engines of karma

[RonD1120 62]

Since living out West I came to believe that everyone is carrying a knife or a firearm.

In 1985 I began working with Vietnam Veterans. At that time a standard assessment question was aimed at determining where weapons were kept, not if they were owned. Again, my assumption was that if someone owned one they were probably carrying it.

In 1995 I expanded my work to include substance abuse and mental illness. My belief concerning personal weapons was concomitant with crack and methamphetamine use.

Now I want more responsible citizens to carry personal firearms. We as a nation need to be prepared. The worst may not come but then again it might. England, France and Spain are dealing with the unthinkable. It is just a question of time before we have another attack on some level.

The majority of my family hold concealed weapons permits.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Did the test subjects have any experience or training with firearms and the legalities of the use of deadly force?
I would think that the general public (no training) would respond differently than someone who has had training and experience.

A lot of "Yahoos" think that a carry permit give someome a lot more freedom that it really does.

A lot of them don't realize the full ramifications of being armed and the full consequences of using deadly force.

I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[StreetScooby 5]

Quote

I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class.

Having thought about CCWs, this is where I fall on the spectrum. I don't want one, at this point in time.

We are all engines of karma

[Rstanley0312 1]

Quote

Interested in folks thoughts on this one...
http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/29684-holding-a-gun-makes-you-think-others-are-too-new-research-shows/

========================================================================================

From Notre Dame university:

Notre Dame News

Holding a gun makes you think others are too, new research shows
Susan Guibert • Date: March 19, 2012
Share ThisPosted In: Research

Seeing guns in the hands of others

Wielding a gun increases a person’s bias to see guns in the hands of others, new research from the University of Notre Dame shows.

Notre Dame Associate Professor of Psychology James Brockmole, who specializes in human cognition and how the visual world guides behavior, together with a colleague from Purdue University, conducted the study, which will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.

In five experiments, subjects were shown multiple images of people on a computer screen and determined whether the person was holding a gun or a neutral object such as a soda can or cell phone. Subjects did this while holding either a toy gun or a neutral object such as a foam ball.

The researchers varied the situation in each experiment — such as having the people in the images sometimes wear ski masks, changing the race of the person in the image or changing the reaction subjects were to have when they perceived the person in the image to hold a gun. Regardless of the situation the observers found themselves in, the study showed that responding with a gun biased observers to report “gun present” more than did responding with a ball. Thus, by virtue of affording the subject the opportunity to use a gun, he or she was more likely to classify objects in a scene as a gun and, as a result, to engage in threat-induced behavior, such as raising a firearm to shoot.

“Beliefs, expectations and emotions can all influence an observer’s ability to detect and to categorize objects as guns,” Brockmole says. “Now we know that a person’s ability to act in certain ways can bias their recognition of objects as well, and in dramatic ways. It seems that people have a hard time separating their thoughts about what they perceive and their thoughts about how they can or should act.”

The researchers showed that the ability to act is a key factor in the effects by showing that simply letting observers see a nearby gun did not influence their behavior; holding and using the gun was important.

“One reason we supposed that wielding a firearm might influence object categorization stems from previous research in this area, which argues that people perceive the spatial properties of their surrounding environment in terms of their ability to perform an intended action,” Brockmole says.

For example, other research has shown that people with broader shoulders tend to perceive doorways to be narrower, and softball players with higher batting averages perceive the ball to be bigger. The blending of perception and action representations could explain, in part, why people holding a gun would tend to assume others are, too.

“In addition to the theoretical implications for event perception and object identification, these findings have practical implications for law enforcement and public safety,” Brockmole says.

Contact: James Brockmole, 574-631-7257, james.brockmole@nd.edu

I checked other and my explanation is... God willing that is true! I want others to be armed like I am!

Life is all about ass....either you're kicking it, kissing it, working it off, or trying to get a piece of it.
Muff Brother #4382 Dudeist Skydiver #000
www.fundraiseadventure.com

[GeorgiaDon 380]

Quote

Did the test subjects have any experience or training with firearms and the legalities of the use of deadly force?
I would think that the general public (no training) would respond differently than someone who has had training and experience.

A lot of "Yahoos" think that a carry permit give someome a lot more freedom that it really does.

A lot of them don't realize the full ramifications of being armed and the full consequences of using deadly force.

I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class.

Well, if they live in Georgia none of that applies. All that is needed for a CCW permit is a clean background check (no felonies, no "nutter" designation by a court). There is no requirement to demonstrate any knowledge whatsoever regarding the law or the safe operation of a firearm.

Don

_____________________________________
Tolerance is the cost we must pay for our adventure in liberty. (Dworkin, 1996)
“Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” (Yeats)

[Coreece 190]

Quote

Quote

Did the test subjects have any experience or training with firearms and the legalities of the use of deadly force?
I would think that the general public (no training) would respond differently than someone who has had training and experience.

A lot of "Yahoos" think that a carry permit give someome a lot more freedom that it really does.

A lot of them don't realize the full ramifications of being armed and the full consequences of using deadly force.

I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class.

Well, if they live in Georgia none of that applies. All that is needed for a CCW permit is a clean background check (no felonies, no "nutter" designation by a court). There is no requirement to demonstrate any knowledge whatsoever regarding the law or the safe operation of a firearm.

Don

In Michigan 50 year old war veterans are forced to pay to learn how to use of a weapon...

Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are...

[billvon 3,120]

>In Michigan 50 year old war veterans are forced to pay to learn how to use of a weapon...

Well that's silly. Using a blunderbuss teaches you everything you need to know about weapons.

[Coreece 190]

you're such a party pooper, sometimes...

Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are...

[billvon 3,120]

>you're such a party pooper, sometimes...

Why thank you! For my next trick I'll send those delivery guys to take away all the Miller High Life.

[Coreece 190]

High life light...

Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are...

[billvon 3,120]

>High life light...

That too.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Quote

Quote

Did the test subjects have any experience or training with firearms and the legalities of the use of deadly force?
I would think that the general public (no training) would respond differently than someone who has had training and experience.

A lot of "Yahoos" think that a carry permit give someome a lot more freedom that it really does.

A lot of them don't realize the full ramifications of being armed and the full consequences of using deadly force.

I know a CCW instructor and she says that about 25% of her students decide not to take on the responsibility and potential downsides of carrying in public after sitting through the class.

Well, if they live in Georgia none of that applies. All that is needed for a CCW permit is a clean background check (no felonies, no "nutter" designation by a court). There is no requirement to demonstrate any knowledge whatsoever regarding the law or the safe operation of a firearm.

Don

Well, in Wisconsin, they only need a valid Hunter's Safety certification or a DD-214 (honorable discharge from the military). And there isn't any time restriction on either of them. I know an 80 year old Korean War era vet (didn't actually serve in combat) who got his permit based on serving 55 years ago. He has no clue about what the laws on self defense really are, has stated that he's willing to drag someone into his house and put a kitchen knife in their hand to "prove" it was justifiable self defense, and a few other very scary statements.

The smart ones take a class that covers the laws and when you can and can't take action and what actions are appropriate for what situations and what the repurcussions are going to be.

I know a few of those too. They have either Hunter's Safety or an Honorable Discharge, but realize that they need to know a lot mre than they do now if they are going to do it right.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[LouDiamond 1]

I read that article and think it's spin. I've carried a firearm of some sort since I was a teenager and my entire adult life, both in combat and while in the general public, and I don't assume everyone has a gun until I see it, be it on their hip or in their hands. Most responsible gun owners carry their weapons the same as most people carry a cell phone these days and most people around them don't even know about it. I think there is an agenda in that article and that the information in it is skewed to meet that agenda.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[wmw999 2,589]

One thing to consider is that you're probably far more disciplined, and far better trained, than the average US gun carrier.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[AggieDave 6]

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I read that article and think it's spin. I've carried a firearm of some sort since I was a teenager and my entire adult life, both in combat and while in the general public, and I don't assume everyone has a gun until I see it, be it on their hip or in their hands. Most responsible gun owners carry their weapons the same as most people carry a cell phone these days and most people around them don't even know about it. I think there is an agenda in that article and that the information in it is skewed to meet that agenda.

Our training, mission and ROE are different, but our end goal is very similar. Although I'm with you in that I carry a firearm every day and have for a good while now. With that said, it is all about outlook and understanding. There are significantly bad people in this world. There are more than most people think and they don't always fit whatever stereotype you may be thinking of at this very moment. There are also regular folks out there whose worse brush with law enforcement is a speeding ticket. They're just trying to live their lives the best they can and make it day to day like the rest of us.

Every day I encounter people who have a concealed weapon on them. Some of them make me very happy (CHL holders for instance), some of them bring me grave concern (latin kings, tango blast, etc).

In my personal experience, that ratio of good people to bad people is a sliding scale typically dependent on what hour of day it is. At 3am, the ratio has slid dramatically over to the "bad guy" side. At 3pm the ratio has slid well over to the "good guy" side.

The possibility of direct harm depends how whatever public situation starts and it starts with clothing. In a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, my chances of being confronted by someone who is armed is much lower than if I was in uniform. Secondary exposure also depends on a similar matrix. If you look like someone shook a 5.11 catalog and you fell out, well your chances have just risen.

I also agree that the article had a very specific agenda to push.

The overall point is this: there are good people and bad people, just because I carry a gun daily does not mean that I think all (or even most) people are bad people.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[wmw999 2,589]

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just because I carry a gun daily does not mean that I think all (or even most) people are bad people

And that's why I'm glad people like you are in law enforcement, because, frankly, you meet more bad people than most of us do. It's part of your job. It'd be easy and human to generalize.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[skiskyrock 0]

I haven't read the actual papaer, but it seems like a poor study to me. The controls are not done correctly; the subject should be asked to look for people holding a ball while holding a ball, for a ball while holding a gun, for a ball while holding a gun, and for a gun while holding a gun. Then the differences would tell you something.

[StreetScooby 5]

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I think there is an agenda in that article and that the information in it is skewed to meet that agenda.

Without a doubt, there's an agenda there.
+1

We are all engines of karma

[StreetScooby 5]

Have just looked at the votes, I'm curious to know whether those folks who voted "Of course it does!" actually own a gun or not?

We are all engines of karma

[AggieDave 6]

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Quote

just because I carry a gun daily does not mean that I think all (or even most) people are bad people

And that's why I'm glad people like you are in law enforcement, because, frankly, you meet more bad people than most of us do. It's part of your job. It'd be easy and human to generalize.

Wendy P.

It's easy to get sucked into that way of thinking though. When I was still on nights, I worked the absolute worse part of town. It was where I wanted to work, since I was able to "step off" into a lot of interesting things. However, that long term contact with a large number of people who are really deep down bad people can and will leave officers jaded towards society. What helped was getting moved to day shift for a couple of years. Then moving to motors (which is also a day-time assignment). Day shift had me in the same part of town and showed me that there actually were good people in that area (they just weren't out at 3am). Motors moved me to high traffic areas in my city, which left me contacting a high number of normal people daily. That helped pull everything back to center.

In terms of law enforcement, most officers who are working the deep night shift in the bad parts of a city are young/new officers. It can quickly leave an officer jaded towards society. It is an easy trap to fall in. When you do 5 traffic stops in a night, 3 have warrants , 1 evades on foot and the last jumps out of the car to fight because he's high on coke...well, that quickly wears on even the best people.

However, those are special circumstances compared to what this article was trying to paint in a bad light: CCW holders.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Stumpy 284]

[reply...well, that quickly wears on even the best people.

[SkyDekker 1,465]

Quote

In terms of law enforcement, most officers who are working the deep night shift in the bad parts of a city are young/new officers. It can quickly leave an officer jaded towards society. It is an easy trap to fall in. When you do 5 traffic stops in a night, 3 have warrants , 1 evades on foot and the last jumps out of the car to fight because he's high on coke...well, that quickly wears on even the best people.

Common sense would say to not use young/new officers very long on that shift.

Seniority trumps what is best though, does't it....

[AggieDave 6]

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Common sense would say to not use young/new officers very long on that shift.

Seniority trumps what is best though, does't it....

Common sense? With a government job?



Actually:

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[kallend 2,151]

I don't think information on trained cops and combat veterans is relevant here, the subjects of the study did not appear to include those groups.

Maybe this is just an example of "when you have a hammer, problems look like nails".

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.