To what extent are self-report studies useful in measuring patterns and trends in crime? Essay
Self-report studies involve the use of confidential questionnaires that invite the respondents to record voluntarily whether
or not they have committed any of the listed offences. Two main examples of this are the Cambridge and Edinburgh studies
A useful benefit when using self-report studies in measuring patterns/trends in crime would be that they
provide proof of the Dark Figure (all unreported/unrecorded crime). This can be linked to a survey sent out by
Mumsnet regarding rape and sexual assault in 2012 which found that 83% of those who had been raped or
sexually assaulted did not report it to authorities. Roughly ½ of the respondents said that they would feel too
embarrassed/ ashamed to report it whilst 2/3rds said they would feel hesitant due to the low amount of
conviction rates. Finally, 70% (3/4) of the respondents explained how they believe the media to be
unsympathetic towards women who report cases of rape. Feminists would argue that self-report studies are in
fact useful/beneficial in measuring patterns and trends in crime because of the fact that it provides an insight
into the statistics the police cannot provide due to a wide array of fear and stigma. Its anonymous nature
allows victims to feel safe in coming forward and reporting said crimes.
Self-report studies involve the use of confidential questionnaires that invite the respondents to record voluntarily whether
or not they have committed any of the listed offences. Two main examples of this are the Cambridge and Edinburgh studies
A useful benefit when using self-report studies in measuring patterns/trends in crime would be that they
provide proof of the Dark Figure (all unreported/unrecorded crime). This can be linked to a survey sent out by
Mumsnet regarding rape and sexual assault in 2012 which found that 83% of those who had been raped or
sexually assaulted did not report it to authorities. Roughly ½ of the respondents said that they would feel too
embarrassed/ ashamed to report it whilst 2/3rds said they would feel hesitant due to the low amount of
conviction rates. Finally, 70% (3/4) of the respondents explained how they believe the media to be
unsympathetic towards women who report cases of rape. Feminists would argue that self-report studies are in
fact useful/beneficial in measuring patterns and trends in crime because of the fact that it provides an insight
into the statistics the police cannot provide due to a wide array of fear and stigma. Its anonymous nature
allows victims to feel safe in coming forward and reporting said crimes.
