Assingments % - key aspects of what statistics can and cannot contribute to our understandings of crime

INSTRUCTIONS
Course: Criminology
Essay instructions:
Answer the following question in essay style.
1. Question:
Outline the key aspects of what statistics can and cannot contribute to our understandings of crime. Detail the pitfalls of data collection practices and explain four difficulties/sensitivities that make it difficult to accurately measure crime statistically. For each difficulty/sensitivity, provide multiple examples and at least one detailed example. In addition, use the example of sexual violence on campus to analyze the ways in which victim blaming and sexism in particular can play a role in the underreporting of violence/crime.
ESSAY SPECIFICATIONS
Your essay must include the following:
o Introduction: A couple of introductory sentences
o Body of paper: Paragraphs clearly answering every part of the question
o Conclusion: Summary, opinion
The essay should not exceed 6-8 pages in length (roughly 1700- 2000 words), not including the title page and bibliography.
The essay must be written in 12-point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
DO NOT INCLUDE A TITLE PAGE
Citations and Bibliography has to be in APA style.
Author for the slides is (Allspach, 2025)
Please use the slides and attached papers. No outside research is required.
The last part of the question refers to the documentary The Hunting Ground by Kirby Dick. Please make sure to watch the documentary.
MARKING CRITERIA
You will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Your detailed theoretical knowledge;
Definition and explanation of key concepts;
How well you apply theories and key concepts to the topic/examples; and
Structure and organization of essay and clarity of writing.
The 5 sources are the 4 attached files and 1 documentary.
Please follow all instructions or else marks will be taken off and may result in a zero.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understanding the Question

This assignment requires a critical discussion on what statistics can and cannot contribute to understanding crime, the pitfalls of data collection, and four key difficulties in measuring crime statistically. You must also analyze how victim blaming and sexism contribute to underreporting, using The Hunting Ground documentary as an example.

Step 2: Structuring Your Essay

Introduction (150-200 words)

Begin with a strong hook—use a statistic or a thought-provoking statement about crime statistics.
Briefly introduce what statistics can and cannot do in crime research.
Outline the key themes you will discuss, including pitfalls of data collection, difficulties in crime measurement, and underreporting of sexual violence.
End with a clear thesis statement summarizing your argument.

Body of Paper (1500-1600 words)

Section 1: The Role and Limitations of Statistics in Crime Research (400-500 words)

Explain what statistics contribute to crime analysis (e.g., identifying trends, policy formation).
Discuss their limitations (e.g., lack of qualitative depth, issues with reporting accuracy).
Provide real-world examples of both contributions and limitations.

Section 2: Pitfalls of Data Collection in Crime Statistics (300-400 words)

Explain common issues like underreporting, biased data collection, and misclassification of crimes.
Use examples from course materials and slides (Allspach, 2025).

Section 3: Four Difficulties/Sensitivities in Measuring Crime (600-700 words)
For each of the four difficulties, explain the issue and provide multiple examples, including one detailed example. Suggested difficulties to discuss:

Underreporting of crimes (e.g., fear of retaliation, lack of trust in authorities).
Victim reluctance to come forward (e.g., social stigma, re-traumatization).
Issues with police recording practices (e.g., downgrading of serious offenses).
Political and institutional influences on crime data (e.g., pressure to lower crime rates).

Section 4: Victim Blaming and Sexism in Underreporting (The Hunting Ground Analysis) (300-400 words)

Summarize The Hunting Ground and its key themes related to underreporting.
Explain how victim blaming and institutional sexism discourage reporting.
Provide examples of real cases discussed in the documentary.

Conclusion (150-200 words)

Summarize the main findings of your essay.
Reflect on the impact of unreliable crime statistics.
Suggest possible solutions or improvements in crime data collection.

Step 3: Formatting & Citations

Font & Spacing: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
No title page – Start with the introduction immediately.
Citations & References: Use APA format for in-text citations and the bibliography. Cite The Hunting Ground and all four attached sources.

Step 4: Final Review

Proofread for grammar and clarity.
Ensure all parts of the question are answered.
Check APA citations and bibliography.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure your essay is well-structured, meets all the requirements, and maximizes your marks.