NCVS Assignment

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Using the NCVS report, identify two offense types to compare. These could be groups of offenses (i.e. total violent crime v. total property crime; total violent crime v. violent crime excluding simple assault) or specific offenses (i.e. aggravated assault v. simple assault; robbery v. motor vehicle theft, etc.). Identify which offense has a higher victimization rate and how reporting rates differ between the two (see table 4).

2. Lifestyle and routine activities are often shaped by social roles and constraints (rather than individual choice). Using the NCVS data, describe how victimization rates vary by one demographic factor (sex, age, income, location, etc.). How could the idea of constrained lifestyles help to explain these differences?

ESSAY QUESTION (1+ PAGE ANSWER)

3. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the NCVS as a data source. Give special attention to comparisons between NCVS and UCR/NIBRS data. Think about the following as you structure your answer:

What offenses/populations are included/excluded

How can NCVS data be used to study the victim/offender overlap

How NCVS differs from UCR/NIBRS data

What facets of victimization experiences are included in NCVS data

Why NCVS and UCR/NIBRS data often differ (and specifically for certain offenses)

Reflect on how using different data sources might shape criminal justice responses