NCJ Number
79883
Journal
Tijdschrift voor criminologie Volume: 22 Dated: (July/August 1980) Pages: 161-171
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study investigates whether or not survey questionnaires are an accurate means of determining public opinion about crime and crime-related matters.
Abstract
Past studies suggest that responses to survey questions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including type of print and paper, respondents' desire to present themselves in as positive a light, and of respondents' tendency to agree to be led by suggestive questions. To test the validity of these earlier findings, the authors prepared two similar versions for each of two different questionnaires. The differences between the versions related to phrasing of questions, use of terms like criminality as potential answers, and negative or positive orientation in the presentation of the question. The questionnaires were administered to a selected sample of 600 employees of the Free University of Amsterdam. The response rate was 45 percent, or 269 usable questionnaires. Results indicate that distortions produced in responses by phrasing variations can misrepresent the views of the public on crime. The technical quality of a survey has no influence on whether or not that survey will be used for setting policy. A premium is placed on quick results, so that the risk of an inaccurate, hastily constructed survey exists. The effects of distortions in responses can be reduced by not abstracting too much from the questions and measurement procedures used and by constructing a variety of questions on each subject which are then weighted in interpreting responses. A bibliography of 14 citations and tables are supplied.