AC 1.5 - Impact of Media Representations on the Public Perception of Crime

Question 1

define deviance amplification

Answer 1

when there is deviance in society and the media amplifies/ heightens the issue causing more deviance

Question 2

how might the media report the problem without any amplification?

Answer 2

instead of arresting : talk to them and calm them down

Question 3

define crime trends

Answer 3

when the media has a direct influence on the level and type of crime that are committed in society

Question 4

define stereotypes

Answer 4

an oversimplified generalisation or label applied to a whole group of people

Question 5

who is Aaron Cicourel?

Answer 5

a criminologist who believes the police, judges, probation officers and prosecutors have stereotypes of the ‘typical delinquent’

Question 6

define a self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 6

people who fit the type are more likely to be caught when they do something wrong because the police are on the look out for such types

Question 7

give an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 7

a teacher who believes a student is exceptionally bright, will be given more attention from the teacher

Question 8

describe the relationship between the level of response to crime and types of punishment

Answer 8

proportionate to the crime committed

Question 9

what happens if the media has generated a lot of attention towards a crime and a riot breaks out?

Answer 9

consequences will be more severe for those guilty

Question 10

give the 6 impacts of the media representations on the public perception of crime

Answer 10

moral panic
changing public concerns and attitudes
perceptions of crime trends
stereotyping of criminals
levels of response to crime and types of punishment
changing priorities and emphasis

Question 11

define moral panic

Answer 11

an exaggerated, irrational over-reaction by society to a perceived problem

Question 12

what media type is an example of moral panic? explain what happened

Answer 12

mods and rockers in brighton
in newspapers
2 conflicting british youth subcultures that sparked a moral panic about british youth, causing them to be seen as violent, unruly troublemakers
1950s/60s

Question 13

define changing priorities and emphasis

Answer 13

when the media voices a concern about a crime type/ anti-social behaviour that could lead to changes in the police’s priority

Question 14

what media type is an example of changing priorities and emphasis? explain the summary and priorities and emphasis

Answer 14

the dangerous dogs act
summary: prohibiting/restricting certain dog types and codifying the criminal offence for allowing a dog to be dangerously uncontrolled
priorities/emphasis: 1991- the government banned 4 dog types and made it an offence for an owner to allow any dog to be dangerously uncontrolled