Routine Activity Theory (RAT) is a widely approved theory in the field of criminology. However, the causal mechanisms of the concept of guardianship within this theory lack experimental...Show moreRoutine Activity Theory (RAT) is a widely approved theory in the field of criminology. However, the causal mechanisms of the concept of guardianship within this theory lack experimental substantiation. The current study aims to capitalize on this research gap by testing the accuracy of RAT in practice, while also assessing the effects of offender-guardian identity similarities using Social Identity Theory (SIT) and deindividuation theory. The research question that is examined is: Does the presence of guardians inhibit cheating behavior, and is this relationship influenced by offenders’ perception of guardians as members of the in-group rather than the out-group? Participants performed an online quiz in which they could cheat. They either did the quiz alone, in the presence of in-group or out-group bystanders. In- and out-groups were manipulated through gender. Inconsistent with prior expectations, a one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in cheating behavior between the conditions. Also, planned contrast analyses indicated no significant effects of the presence and the social identity of guardians on cheating behavior. Thus, failing to support the notion in RAT that the presence of guardians inhibits criminal behavior and negates the impact of social identity similarities between offender and bystander. However, these results could be subject to the inability to create strong group identities. Future research could therefore implement another manipulation criterion and conduct the quiz offline.Show less
