NCJ Number
130411
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 1-16
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the relationships between motivators and inhibitors of illegal behavior (drunk driving in this case) by testing both additive and interactive models, using a random sample of adult respondents from a large Midwestern metropolitan area.
Abstract
Two waves of data were collected during fall 1983 and fall 1984. The sample was obtained from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area using the random-digit-dialing method. Of the 370 respondents interviewed, 310 indicated their willingness to continue participation after the first wave of data collection. A total of 66 percent actually participated in the second wave. Self-reported involvement in illegal behavior was operationalized by asking respondents to indicate whether they thought they would drive while under the influence of alcohol during the next year (Time 1) and whether they had done so during the previous year (Time 2). The independent variables were perceived certainty of arrest, perceived severity of punishment, moral commitment to the legal norm, and social disapproval by significant others. The measure of motivation used in the study was based on the utility of drinking and driving for each respondent. Findings indicate that the effect of sanction threats (both formal and informal) on individual involvement in drinking and driving is not contingent on a person's level of motivation to engage in the illegal behavior. Rather, motivation to drive while under the influence of alcohol had only additive effects on the self-reported drinking and driving behavior. These results are not supportive of research that has reported significant interactive effects. Implications for policy and research methodology are discussed. 4 tables and 37 references