What Are Some Problems with Self-Report Surveys of Delinquen Cy

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Self-report surveys of delinquency or crime commission have several limitations and potential problems.

Firstly, they rely on the honesty and accuracy of the respondents. Individuals may underreport their involvement in criminal activities due to social desirability bias or fear of legal consequences. On the other hand, they may also exaggerate their involvement to appear tough or gain status among their peers.

Secondly, there may be issues with the representativeness of the sample. Self-report surveys often rely on convenience samples, which may not accurately reflect the broader population. This can lead to biased results and inaccurate conclusions about the prevalence and nature of delinquent behaviors.

Additionally, there is the potential for response bias, where respondents may selectively disclose certain behaviors while omitting others. This can skew the data and lead to an incomplete understanding of the true extent of delinquency or crime commission.

Furthermore, self-report surveys may not capture certain types of criminal behavior, such as white-collar crimes or organized crime, which are often underreported or not easily disclosed by respondents.

Finally, there are ethical considerations in self-report surveys, particularly when dealing with minors. There may be concerns about the potential harm or legal implications of asking individuals to report their involvement in illegal activities.

In conclusion, while self-report surveys can provide valuable insights into delinquency and crime commission, they are not without their limitations and potential problems. It is important to consider these issues when interpreting and using data from self-report surveys in research and policy-making.

What Are Some Problems with Self-Report Surveys of Delinquen Cy

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