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Criminological Theory and Statistical DataIntroduction
Criminological theory is not always based on evidence—that is, on statistical evidence. Sometimes it is based on ideas that seem logical at the time. Theorists will notice correlations in the ways in which crime emerges in certain communities and they will base their theories of crime on these observances, though no statistical evidence is actually accumulated to verify the theory. The theory simply makes sense from a logical or rational point of view and in this manner it can be promoted. Its basis of evidence is qualitative (i.e., content-related, conceptual or thematic) rather than statistical and empirical (i.e., data that can be measured, quantified and verified through testing). Broken Windows Theory is one example of criminological theory that was based on qualitative assessments rather than on statistical data (Jean, 2008). While the theory has been embraced over the years since it was first developed, other researchers have shown that statistically the data does not always support the theory. However, data can also be used to manipulate findings—i.e., a bias can be introduced into the research in terms of what type of sample is used, where data comes from and so on—and this can give the wrong impression about a theory as well. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of using statistical...
In other words, just as thematic analysis can be manipulated in qualitative studies, statistical data can be manipulated in terms of how data is collected (a specific population or region might be over-sampled), or where crime is measured, etc. In order for statistical data to be trustworthy, it has to be objectively obtained and objectively analyzed. Anytime that bias is introduced into the equation, it alters the perceptions that follow. Statistical data is not immune to bias because it still relies upon gathering and interpreting. This is the main con associated with using statistical data in terms of criminological theory development.
The other con is that statistical data can be over-replied upon. For example, there may be an insufficient way to measure a certain phenomenon statistically speaking, but qualitatively it can be seen and understood very well. If criminological theory were only based upon statistical data, some theories would never develop that are based on qualitative assessment. Just because…
Features of Positivist Criminology Positivist criminology uses scientific research (primarily quantitative, laboratory, empirical experiment) to investigate the causes of crime and deviant behavior. Positivist criminology posits that the roots of deviancy are located in the physical, genetic, psychological or biological makeup of the individual and the individual, consequently, is not held accountable (or is faintly held accountable) for his deeds. Use of instruments, statistics, classification, and similar scientific instruments are
Criminology-Review Criminal Justice Research Review Ricciardelli, R., Bell, J., & Clow, K. (2009). Student attitudes toward wrongful conviction, Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 51(3), 411-427. There has been considerable research addressing the underlying factors regarding wrongful conviction; however, minimal research has been completed that investigates attitudes toward wrongful conviction. First and third year Canadian undergraduate students in criminal and non-criminal justice majors were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward various facets
Criminology The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program was set up by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1929 to produce reliable and uniform crime statistics for the country (FBI 2004). The task of collecting, publishing and archiving these statistics first belonged to the FBI. At present, these data come from almost 17,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S.A. There are also annual publications that gather and print specialized facets of
This is because many people do not have the opportunity to do so or they chose not to do so. People start to engage in criminal activities such as theft to satisfy their needs. Cochran suggests that anomie is greatest where the goal of attaining societal goals occurs under conditions of individual competition. A decrease in state control and regulations leads to positive impacts in the economy. Three key
In fact, and quite surprisingly, one of the key findings of the Rand Report was that 50% of the nation's detectives could be eliminated without having a significant effect on clearance rates in the country (O'Connor). This conclusion flies in the face of conventional wisdom on police work, yet was fully supported by the exhaustive study. The study was funded by the National Institute of Justice and was designed
Annotated BibliographyAn, S. H. (2019). Employee voluntary and involuntary turnover and organizationalperformance: Revisiting the hypothesis from classical public administration.�International Public Management Journal,�22(3), 444-469.The author points out that employee turnover has been a topic of interest for scholars across various disciplines for many years. The prevailing hypothesis has been that voluntary turnover has a negative impact on organizational performance, while involuntary turnover has a positive impact. However, recent research has called