NCJ Number
92485
Journal
Howard Journal of Penology and Crime Prevention Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (1983) Pages: 168-176
Date Published
1983
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Research studies and surveys which involve asking people what offences they have committed have many methodological problems.
Abstract
An examination of these problems shows that it is very doubtful whether valid conclusions can be drawn, either about the number of offences of different types which have been committed or about the characteristics of offenders. Besides this, there are ethical problems involved in persuading people to answer questions regarding their criminal behaviour. The contribution made by self-reported crime studies to scientific research or to improving the accuracy of published criminal statistics is not sufficient to warrant their being continued. (Author abstract)