Jaywalking as a Function of Model Behavior

Abstract

A meta-analytic integration is reported that summarizes the effects of model behavior on pedestrian jaywalking. Results indicate that obedient models (models who do not jaywalk) produce a small but significant decrease in the frequency of pedestrian jaywalking. Disobedient models (models who jaywalk) produce a small but significant increase in the frequency of pedestrian jaywalking. Disobedient models are found to exert a greater effect than obedient models. Crowded sidewalks exaggerate the tendency for a disobedient model to increase jaywalking and undermine the tendency for an obedient model to decrease jaywalking. In addition, the status of the model influences the effect of the model on jaywalking behavior: Specifically, an obedient model is significantly more likely to produce a decrease in jaywalking when the model is of high status. However, a disobedient model is marginally less likely to produce an increase in jaywalking when the model is of high status. Finally, the influence of both obedient and disobedient models is greater in cities of larger size. Discussion considers the theoretical and practical implications of these patterns.