Testing Deterrence Theory with Offenders: Assessing the Effects of Personal and Vicarious Experience with Punishment and Punishm
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University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2007 Testing Deterrence Theory With Offenders: Assessing The Effects Of Personal And Vicarious Experience With Punishment And Punishm Alicia Sitren University of Central Florida Part of the Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Sitren, Alicia, "Testing Deterrence Theory With Offenders: Assessing The Effects Of Personal And Vicarious Experience With Punishment And Punishm" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 3354. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/3354 TESTING DETERRENCE THEORY WITH OFFENDERS: ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF PERSONAL AND VICARIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH PUNISHMENT AND PUNISHMENT AVOIDANCE ON INTENTIONS TO REOFFEND by ALICIA H. SITREN B.S. University of Central Florida, 2001 M.S. University of Central Florida, 2002 A dissertation proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs in the College of Health and Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Spring Term 2007 Major Professor: Brandon K. Applegate © 2007 Alicia H. Sitren ii ABSTRACT Stafford and Warr (1993) reconceptualized general and specific deterrence into a single theory in which individuals’ propensities to engage in criminal behavior are based on some combination of personal experiences with being punished and avoiding punishment and vicarious (or indirect) experiences with being punished and avoiding punishment. The researchers make a substantial contribution to the deterrence literature by accounting for the effect of punishment avoidance when assessing deterrence theory. Despite the theoretical appeal of this restatement, few studies have tested its empirical merit. The current study tests the applicability of Stafford and Warr’s model but also addresses several key limitations that still exist in the deterrence literature. The present study was the first of its kind to directly test Stafford and Warr’s (1993) model, blending specific and general deterrence, on an offending population. The majority of perceptual deterrence research examines largely pro-social groups. Evidence suggests that offenders may have unique decision-making processes and may be very different from those typically studied in deterrence research. Identifying the relevant deterrents among non- conventional or offending populations has significant policy implications. Additionally, in order to understand the decision-making process of criminals, this study incorporated alternative sanction forms from a rational choice perspective into the deterrence framework. This is a particularly salient point because non-legal costs may be more influential in criminal decision-making than formal sanctions. By examining the deterrent effects of several other factors (besides the traditional variables studied in deterrence models) among a non- conventional population, findings may suggest methods for designing more effective punishments. iii Therefore, the present study conducted survey research of high-criminality among an adult sample. This dissertation recruited 326 work release inmates from Orange County, Florida, and asked them to complete a written questionnaire. Results from the bivariate analyses revealed some support for the deterrence doctrine and the rational choice perspective. However, more rigorous tests of these predictions revealed no support for deterrence theory. Even though this study concluded that deterrence alone does not adequately predict future offending, the idea of choice was upheld. The results from this dissertation and from several other studies suggest the need for further analysis of the effect of extralegal sanctions on future criminal activity, especially among non-conventional populations. The current study offers suggestions for effective crime control policies and directions on how future research can clarify the inconsistencies between the theoretical predictions of deterrence theory and empirical reality. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge and give appreciation to the University of Central Florida, a university with a commitment to high standards and rigorous excellence, and to my dissertation committee for their energy and insights: Dr. Brandon K. Applegate, Dr. Joseph B. Sanborn, Dr. Raymond Surette, and Dr. Thomas T.H. Wan. These individuals were instrumental in my pursuit of the PhD and helped me develop a clear pathway to my completed dissertation. My deep appreciation extends to my mentor and major advisor, Dr. Applegate. Without his knowledge, expertise, guidance, direction, and advice, I could not have succeeded in my studies. Over the years he has become a trusted friend and an awesome mentor. Without him this study could not have existed, nor would I understand so clearly the nature and potential of reconceptualizing deterrence theory. Thank you Brandon. I would also like to thank the following individuals in no particular order: Dr. Thomas Wan for his innovative ideas, advisement, and the many opportunities that he has provided me for my professional growth. Sergeant Douglas Ratliff of the Orange County Work Release Center was instrumental during my data collection. His time, effort, and patience are greatly appreciated. Dr. Pamela Griset graciously offered her advice and provided me with several opportunities to continue my professional development as an academic. A special thank you goes towards Dr. Kenneth Reynolds for his support during my academic career. A deep appreciation goes out to my dad, Dr. Harry Sitren. His many years of experience provided me an excellent resource for advice and encouragement. I have been very fortunate to have such a father and I appreciate him greatly. v Finally, a special thank you goes to my colleague and close friend, Hayden Smith. His advice is invaluable and I have such a great appreciation for his friendship. I look forward to continue collaborating with him on future research projects. A study of this magnitude has an impact on every facet of your life. So many opportunities as well as challenges have arisen over the course of my studies, each one providing me the strength and courage to succeed. I thank all of those who have assisted me and have had an impact on my studies. This marks the end of my studies here at the University of Central Florida but the beginning of a new adventure. Thank you. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................ xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 1 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................. 8 Theoretical Context of Deterrence.............................................................................................. 9 Current Issues in Deterrence Theory ........................................................................................ 18 Empirical Status of Deterrence ................................................................................................. 23 Empirical Tests of Stafford and Warr’s Reconceptualization .................................................. 28 Limitations of Existing Deterrence Research ........................................................................... 38 The Current Study..................................................................................................................... 43 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 45 Sample....................................................................................................................................... 45 Procedures................................................................................................................................. 46 Measurement of Variables ........................................................................................................ 49 Likelihood of Offending ....................................................................................................... 49 Personal Experience.............................................................................................................. 50 Vicarious Experience............................................................................................................ 52 Punishment Certainty............................................................................................................ 55 Punishment Severity ............................................................................................................. 56 Extralegal Costs and Benefits ............................................................................................... 57 Impulsivity ...........................................................................................................................