Criminology and the Use of Statistical Evidence Essay

Total Length: 940 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

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Criminological Theory and Statistical Data



Introduction



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 data in criminological theory.

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Cons



The biggest con in terms of statistical data’s relationship with criminological theory is that sometimes data can be used in a way that is biased to show that a theory is correct, when a more objective compilation of statistical data will reveal the opposite (Harcourt, 1998)—or vice versa. 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….....

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References

Corman, H., & Mocan, N. (2005). Carrots, sticks, and broken windows. The Journal of Law and Economics, 48(1), 235-266.

Harcourt, B. E. (1998). Reflecting on the subject: A critique of the social influence conception of deterrence, the broken windows theory, and order-maintenance policing New York style. Michigan Law Review, 97(2), 291-389.

Jean, P. K. S. (2008). Pockets of crime: Broken windows, collective efficacy, and the criminal point of view. University of Chicago Press.

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"Criminology And The Use Of Statistical Evidence", 30 April 2018, Accessed.28 March. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/criminology-use-of-statistical-evidence-essay