NCJ Number
223045
Journal
International Journal of Cyber Criminology Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 33-55
Date Published
January 2007
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study contributes to the literature by examining the links between low self-control, rational choice, value, and digital piracy.
Abstract
The results of the study show that low self-control has direct and indirect effects with intentions to digital piracy. In addition, it shows that low self-control has indirect links with a modified version of situational factors, and that situational factors have both direct and indirect effects with digital piracy. The results indicate that low self-control and rational choice theory maybe compatible theories that can explain digital piracy. The results of this study help criminologists understand more about the decisionmaking mechanisms for digital piracy. Understanding the motivational and deterrent components of digital piracy from the integrated low self-control and rational choice theory model, provides important information for college administrators and other policymakers that may reduce instances of digital piracy. Digital piracy is defined as the illegal copying of digital goods, software, digital documents, digital audio and digital video for any other reason other than to backup without explicit permission from and compensation to the copyright holder. To date, several researchers have shown that attitudes, low self-control, social learning theory, and deterrence theory can be applied and integrated to explain digital piracy. However, no study examined whether rational choice theory mediated the link between low self-control and digital piracy, as well as considered the role of value in such an examination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the literature by examining the links between low self-control, rational choice, value, and digital piracy. Table, figure and references