NCJ Number
102007
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1986) Pages: 229-241
Date Published
1986
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Three studies were conducted to examine (1) the relation of public estimates of recidivism rates to current Canadian criminal justice data, (2) the relationship between estimated recidivism rates and both public dissatisfaction with sentencing patterns and level of media usage, and (3) public sensitivity to the diversity of criminal recidivism.
Abstract
In all 3 studies, subjects were adult volunteers visiting the Ontario Science Center; sample sizes were 180, 140, and 110, respectively. The first two studies used self-administered questionnaires, the third required subjects to rate vignettes describing individual offenders. Results indicate that subjects considerably and consistently overestimated the rate of recidivism among first-time offenders. Their estimates did not vary for first- and third-time offenders, although in actuality, reconviction rates rise dramatically. Compared to those with lower estimates of recidivism rates, those with higher estimates thought sentences were too lenient. No relationship between media use and recidivism estimates was found. Finally, subjects' estimates of recidivism risk were unaffected by relevant offender characteristics (e.g., criminal history, offense type, employment, and marital status). 22 references.