Module 2 : Theories about Crime : Public Perceptions of Crime Rates
The module considers an alternative method of measuring crime to the previous module, looking at the British Crime Survey, and compares the two measures of crime levels. It then shifts emphasis to look at perceptions of crime trends, and examines different theories as to why the public perception of crime levels may not match the actual risk of victimisation.
- There are different ways to record crime
- The official report says that although crime is really falling, the public think it is increasing
- Actually when we look at time graphs the position is complex
- A usual explanation is that the media create unnecessary worry
- There are other factors involved though, such as social class
Skills covered
- Comprehension of basic measurement guidelines
- Trend comparison
- More complex graphical analysis (stacked bar charrts, time indices, paired bar charts)
- Understanding of theoretical concepts and evaluation of evidence
- Understanding of simple statistical concepts
There is also an appendix to module 2 for government students which looks at UK party policy on crime.
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Download module 2 appendix (Word) | Download module 2 appendix (Adobe PDF)