NCJ Number
89570
Date Published
1982
Length
201 pages
Annotation
This dissertation investigates selected deterrence principles and structural characteristics with respect to the California automobile repair industry.
Abstract
The research involved a pre- and posttest in two matched California urban areas to determine the degree of a form of auto fraud and/or incompetence among sampled repair dealers in each of the cities. Structural and attitudinal characteristics of the dealers were compared with their honesty. The report presents an overview of automobile repair fraud, including the financial and human costs, relevant statistics, and consumers' attitudes about the aftercare market. It also gives a history of deterrence and reviews the appropriate literature. Study results are discussed in terms of social control theory. Study data, footnotes, and about 95 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)