Factors Affecting Deviance and Criminal Behavior Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of victimisation surveys?

To generate data on recorded crime

To highlight corruption in the criminal justice system

To compare self-report studies

To address unreported crime (correct)

What is the difference between national crime victimisation surveys and national criminal statistics?

They are conducted in different countries

They provide the same picture of crime

They focus on different crimes (correct)

They use different methodologies

Which population group is most vulnerable to molestation in public according to local South African surveys?

Coloureds (correct)

Blacks

Whites

Asians

What is a possible reason for the reduction in informal social control and increase in criminal behaviour?

A decrease in nuclear families Signup and view all the answers

Why are the figures or statistics provided by the courts and the Department of Correctional Services lower than police statistics?

They only refer to crimes where the offender was prosecuted or where imprisonment was imposed Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate of conviction for murder and rape cases in South Africa compared to other countries?

Lower in South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of reported matters/cases of murder, rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances have still not been tried two years after arrest?

75% Signup and view all the answers

What is the average number of violent crimes reported to the police that end in conviction in South Africa?

6 out of 100 Signup and view all the answers

According to the Department of Correctional Services Annual Report 2014, what percentage of sentenced children were 16 years old?

25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest crime category for sentenced children?

Aggressive crimes Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of official crime statistics, according to Singh 2011?

Crime statistics are only expressed in relation to the total population. Signup and view all the answers

What may influence the volume of official crime recorded, according to the text?

The age distribution of the population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the data provided to Statistics South Africa?

The data is provided by the police, the courts, and the Department of Correctional Services Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of victim surveys?

To supplement official crime statistics Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC) in compiling police statistics?

The CIAC consolidates data from provincial offices Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the willingness of members of the public to report crime to the police?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the official crime information sources in South Africa?

Media coverage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of accurate reporting of crime?

To evaluate prevention programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why many South Africans decide to emigrate, according to the text?

Fear of crime Signup and view all the answers

What are the three ways in which people respond to statistics, according to Best (in Eamonn et al. 2015:31)?

Awestruck, skeptical, cynical Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of assault according to Kemp et al. 2012?

The unlawful and intentional application of force to another, or inspiring the belief of imminent force Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a questionnaire and a self-report study?

A questionnaire is a means of collecting information about aspects of an individual’s personal experience, while a self-report study consists of a series of questions or items about a single subject or a series of related issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a victimization survey?

To measure the amount, nature, and patterns of victimization in the population Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have access to crime statistics from every region of the country?

To study the nature and extent of the crimes committed Signup and view all the answers

According to Pelser (2008), what is the reason for the high youth victimisation rate in South Africa?

Young people are more likely to be targeted by criminals Signup and view all the answers

What does the Institute for Security Studies 2007 National Victims of Crime Survey reveal about youth victimisation in South Africa?

Young people experience assault at nearly eight times the adult rate Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of South Africa's population is under the age of 25, according to Statistics South Africa?

Approximately 50% Signup and view all the answers

Where do theft, robbery, and assault commonly occur in South Africa?

School and home Signup and view all the answers

What is the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (CJCP) 2005 National Youth Victimisation Survey?

A survey that measures the extent of crime and violence experienced by young people in South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What does research indicate about victimisation, crime, and violence in South Africa?

They are common experiences for many young South Africans Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Victimisation Surveys

Assess the experiences of individuals directly affected by crime.
Gather data on unreported crimes to understand the true extent of victimization.

National Crime Victimisation Surveys vs. National Criminal Statistics

National crime victimisation surveys focus on individual's experiences, often capturing unrecorded incidents.
National criminal statistics compile data from police reports, often underrepresenting the actual crime occurrence.

Most Vulnerable Population Group

Local South African surveys indicate that young women are the most vulnerable to molestation in public settings.

Increased urbanization and social disintegration may lead to reduced informal social control.
Weaker community ties contribute to a rise in criminal behavior.

Discrepancy in Crime Statistics

Courts and the Department of Correctional Services provide lower figures than police statistics due to unreported crimes and differences in data collection methods.

Conviction Rates for Serious Crimes

South Africa has low conviction rates for murder and rape compared to many other countries, indicating challenges in prosecution and justice.

Delayed Trials for Serious Crimes

A significant percentage of reported cases of murder, rape, and robbery with aggravating circumstances remain untried two years post-arrest.

Conviction Outcomes for Violent Crimes

A small average percentage of reported violent crimes result in convictions in South Africa, highlighting issues within the judicial process.

Sentenced Children Statistics

According to the 2014 Department of Correctional Services Annual Report, 16 years old is a common age among sentenced children.

Highest Crime Category for Sentenced Children

Theft and property crimes constitute the highest crime category among sentenced children.

Limitation of Official Crime Statistics

Official statistics may lack completeness, missing incidents that go unreported or undetected.

Influences on Official Crime Recording

Factors like police practices, community trust, and reporting culture can significantly influence reported crime volumes.

Data Reporting to Statistics South Africa

Data reflects a combination of police records, court statistics, and victimisation surveys, providing a broader view of crime trends.

Purpose of Victim Surveys

Aim to capture a more comprehensive understanding of crime and its impact, including unreported cases.

Role of Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC)

CIAC compiles and analyzes police statistics, providing insights into crime patterns and helping to shape policy.

Factors Influencing Crime Reporting

Public willingness to report crime may be affected by trust in police, fear of retaliation, and perceptions of ineffectiveness.

Non-official Crime Information Sources

Surveys and research reports by academic institutions, NGOs, and other organizations that gather data independently of law enforcement.

Importance of Accurate Crime Reporting

Accurate reporting aids in resource allocation, crime prevention strategies, and building community trust in law enforcement.

Main Reasons for Emigration

High crime rates and personal safety concerns are significant factors driving South Africans to emigrate.

Responses to Statistics

People may react with disbelief, acceptance, or skepticism regarding statistical data, influencing their perception of crime seriousness.

Definition of Assault

Assault is defined as an act of physical aggression or threat that causes harm or fear to another individual.

Questionnaire vs. Self-report Study

A questionnaire is a research tool for collecting data directly from respondents, while a self-report study encourages individuals to report their own criminal behaviors or victimization experiences.

Importance of Regional Crime Statistics

Access to regional statistics ensures a comprehensive understanding of crime trends across various demographics and locales.

High Youth Victimisation Rate

Pelser notes that socio-economic challenges and community violence contribute significantly to the high victimization rates among youth in South Africa.

Youth Victimisation Insights

The Institute for Security Studies' surveys reveal alarming rates of victimisation among South African youth, highlighting the need for targeted intervention.

Youth Demographics in South Africa

Over 50% of South Africa's population is under the age of 25, indicating a significant portion of young individuals at risk of victimization.

Common Locations for Crime

Theft, robbery, and assault frequently occur in public spaces, residential areas, and informal settlements.

National Youth Victimisation Survey

The CJCP’s survey provides critical insights into the patterns of youth victimization, emphasizing the need for protective measures.

Research Findings on Crime and Violence

Studies consistently indicate high levels of crime and violence in South Africa, necessitating ongoing research and policy adjustments to address these issues.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the factors that may lead to a reduction in deviance and criminal behaviour, including the decline of close-knit communities, changing norms and values, and the impact of smaller numbers of young people in society. This quiz also explores how informal social control and certain types of crimes, such as child abuse and domestic violence, are influenced by these factors.