ThesisThe article discusses a study conducted to discover public opinion on rape. Specifically, this study “investigates the relationship of RMA with demographic variables, intolerant belief systems, and ideological attitudes in a representative sample of German residents” (Süssenbach and Bohner, 2011, p. 377). RMA stands for Rape Myth Acceptance. According to Süssenbach and Bohner, the RMA “serves as an interpretative framework for dealing with information about sexual violence, producing biased judgments against the victims and in favor of the perpetrators” (2011, p. 374). The study was designed to assess acceptance of rape myths. One problem, particularly for women, is that accepting the rape myth creates an “illusion of invulnerability.” For males, it tends to increase the chances of sexually violent behavior directly and indirectly. According to this study, “rape myths have been conceptualized as stereotypes [Lonsway and Fitzgerald, 1994] that lead to intolerance towards women victims of sexual violence” (Süssenbach and Bohner, 2011, p. 374). If this theory is correct, RMA is a myth that negatively affects society. Methods The researchers had a professional survey institute, in 2010; conduct standardized telephone interviews with German families. To increase representativeness, all possible telephone numbers were included; even numbers not present in the list, using the number generation method and 4.8% of participants were reached via mobile phone. There were 397 adult participants aged 16 to 90 years. Within that sample, most of them lived in Western Germany and covered all levels of education and profession. The researchers studied eleven intolerant belief systems using a four-point criterion... ... middle of paper ...... e. It would be better to see this study conducted worldwide, especially in the United States. This study should be repeated to achieve better representativeness, such as more males and young adults. The methods, however, should remain the same. Studies like these are needed to better understand the extent to which rape myths are accepted. Works Cited Lonsway, K. A., & Fitzgerald, L. F. (1994). Rape myths. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 18(2), 133. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9407012983&site=ehost-liveSüssenbach, P. , & Bohner, G. (2011). Acceptance of myths about sexual assault in a representative sample of German residents. Aggressive Behavior, 37(4), 374-385. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cja&AN=60732000&site=ehost-live