Chapter 5 Self-test questions

1. 'Crime statistics provide evidence that speaks for itself.' True or false?

True

False

2. If we want to assess claims about rates of crime over periods of time, what essential characteristics must our statistical series possess? (Select all that apply.)

Comparability

Rigidity of approach

Comprehensiveness

Relevance

3. What are the two main sets of data relating to crime in England and Wales?

Neighbourhood Watch statistics

The Crime Survey for England and Wales

Crown Prosecution Service caseload data

Police recorded statistics

4. Which social researcher and reformer published a vast survey on London Labour and the London Poor in 1851, and went on to release a fourth volume which included a detailed focus on crime and criminals?

Henry Mayhew

Henry Whitehead

John Snow

Charles Booth

5. When were the first British national crime statistics produced?

1976

1776

1876

1846

6. Which of the following are among the potential downsides to the abundance of data available in today's 'Information Age'? (Select all that apply.)

A widening knowledge gap between the public and data experts

Uncritical acceptance of the data with which we are provided

A reliance on a small number of familiar sources

'Truth' can be established by the sources that receive most publicity

7. What is the primary purpose of police recorded crime statistics?

To provide a general picture of crime in an area

To help the police target people who they suspect might be criminals

To inform when and where the police should target resources

To enable collaboration between the police and researchers

8. 'Police recorded crime statistics do not include all criminal offences.' True or false?

True

False

9. How many crimes are reported to the police?

All crimes

Over three quarters of crimes.

Fewer than half of crimes.

Less than 10% of crimes.

10. Why was the production of police recorded crime statistics transferred to the Office for National Statistics?

Because the Home Office no longer wanted responsibility for them.

To streamline government statistics onto one website.

Because the statistics were found to be unreliable.

Because the police are managed by the Office for National Statistics.

11. 'The main purpose of the Crime Survey for England and Wales is to uncover the so-called "dark" figure of crime.' True or false?

True

False

12. How many households a year does the CSEW aim to survey?

10,000

100,000

35,000

47,000

13. Why is the interview method used by the CSEW important?

Because it tells us about people's feelings.

Because it can tell us about domestic violence crimes.

Because it can tell us about problems and crimes that weren't reported to the police.

Because it tells us if police are accurately recording crimes.

14. In what two ways does the crime survey need to be reformed, according to Professor Tim Hope?

Try to find more victims

Try to interview the police as well

Try to contact the people that are hard to reach

Try to contact only those who have committed crimes.

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