An Explorative Study to Investigate and Develop Educational Resources for Young People on the Impact of Online Antifeminist Cultures

This study will implement a mixed-methods design informed by educational and psychological research including social representations theory (Moscovici, 2008), to understand the impact of online antifeminist cultures (particularly incels and online laddism) on rape myth acceptance and attitudes towards relationships. The project will include multiple studies beginning with explorative stages and then moving to develop educational resources based on the results of the former of which the effectiveness will also be discussed and analysed with students in mind.
In terms of participants, we will recruit university students including both males and females to collect a diverse data sample (**participant specifications still need to be refined**). Each of the methods involved in this research possess certain advantages and disadvantages but will allow for broad data collection and to answer the research questions.
1. Explorative Phase
1a. Thematic analysis of online sources: For the first phase of my research, I will explore several online spaces in relation to the relevant topics. These online spaces could include social media sites, forums (such as Reddit and Incels.is) and potentially the GOV.UK website's policy documents regarding UK SRE.
1b. Focus groups: Informed by the findings of phase 1a, focus groups will be conducted concerning the topics in question in order to gain an understanding of how students feel about these topics and the current education surrounding them that is on offer. These focus groups will be recorded and transcribed with qualitative analysis to follow.
1c. Surveys: In addition to the focus groups, an online survey developed on Qualtrics will be distributed to students on a wider basis, also informed by phase 1a, to explore the same thing as the 1b focus groups. The online survey will collect quantitative demographic information and be made up of qualitative-style questions to explore the topics, allowing for in-depth qualitative analysis.

2. Developmental Phase (develop resources with LUSU based on results of phase 1)
2a. Develop educational resources based on phase 1
2b. Distribute these resources in collaborative with LUSU

3. Evaluation Phase
3a. Focus groups
3b. Analysis of 3a results and evaluation of resources
3c. Plans for wider distribution of resources (?)