Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Chuck Hill

Abstract

This project examines the understandings of mass shootings through a literature review with the goal to examine the personalities of the shooters, possible causes and warning signs, as well as the misconceptions about mass shootings. In addition two specific cases, Columbia and Virginia Tech were examined in order to understand the personalities of the shooters as well as some of the misconceptions about the shootings themselves. In conclusion the study found that animal abuse, social withdrawal, and lashing out at others were seen as warning signs. It was also found that mass shooters are not all the same, being categorized in 5 different subtypes. Findings suggest that there is a combination of factors that lead a person to commit murder, and not just one cause.

Comments

WSP Major: Psychology

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Psychology Commons

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