UNIT 1 AC 1.5 SUMMARY CRIMINOLOGY
UNIT 1: AC 1.5 WRITE UP MODEL
WJEC LEVEL 3 APPLIED DIPLOMA IN
CRIMINOLOGY
Summary: Criminology Unit 1 – AC 1.5
Explain the Impact of Media Representation on the Public Perception of Crime
The media plays a powerful role in shaping how the public understands and perceives crime.
Through selective reporting, exaggeration, and repetition, the media can influence fear levels,
stereotypes, and beliefs about crime trends. As a result, public perception often differs
significantly from actual crime statistics.
Moral Panic and Deviancy Amplification
One major impact of media representation is the creation of moral panics. A moral panic
occurs when the media exaggerates a perceived threat to society’s values, leading to
UNIT 1: AC 1.5 WRITE UP MODEL
WJEC LEVEL 3 APPLIED DIPLOMA IN
CRIMINOLOGY
Summary: Criminology Unit 1 – AC 1.5
Explain the Impact of Media Representation on the Public Perception of Crime
The media plays a powerful role in shaping how the public understands and perceives crime.
Through selective reporting, exaggeration, and repetition, the media can influence fear levels,
stereotypes, and beliefs about crime trends. As a result, public perception often differs
significantly from actual crime statistics.
Moral Panic and Deviancy Amplification
One major impact of media representation is the creation of moral panics. A moral panic
occurs when the media exaggerates a perceived threat to society’s values, leading to
