HGA108 week 1 measuring crime flash cards

Why is measuring crime important?

It provides public safety information, evaluates criminal justice performance, assesses effectiveness of prevention programs, informs resource allocation, shapes legislation, and develops crime theories.

What are the two main methods of measuring crime?

Quantitative methods (numerical data) and qualitative methods (descriptive data).

What do quantitative methods focus on?

Numerical data derived from police records, arrest data, court statistics, victim surveys, and self-report surveys.

What do qualitative methods emphasize?

Descriptive data gathered through interviews, direct observations, and case studies.

What is the 'dark figure of crime'?

Criminal acts that are not detected or reported to police, representing a significant portion of unrecorded crime.

What can impact crime statistics?

Under-reporting, changes in legal definitions, police discretion, victim willingness to report, and societal attitudes.

What is a significant challenge of qualitative methods in measuring crime?

They may overlook continuous forms of victimization, like ongoing harassment or abuse.

What do police and court statistics help researchers understand?

Trends and patterns in crime, such as fluctuations in assault rates based on factors like alcohol consumption.

How can public attitude changes affect crime statistics?

Increased reporting rates, particularly for previously underreported crimes like sexual violence or domestic abuse.

What is triangulated data?

A combination of quantitative and qualitative data used to provide a more accurate understanding of crime.