Designing and Conducting Criminological Research (Research Proposal Handout)

Media and the Fear of Crime : A Research Proposal

Introduction

Media is very useful in disseminating information in the society Through its widespread use , people everywhere become aware of news trends and issues that are prevalent in the society . Media also entertains people and it describes and prescribes conduct and behaviour among people . Media is not only an information dissemination channel it also provides entertainment and serves as the means of marketing for various products and services being offered everywhere

When people read or watch news and public affairs programs and

even when watching entertainment shows , they cannot help but be exposed to violence and the occurrence of crime . Whether in television , print radio and the internet , the reality of crimes from different places in the country are being shown , aired and printed . How do people react to the things that they read , watch or listen to

On a surface-level observation , media can perpetuate the feeling or impression that the crime rate is greater than it really is . This is because the perception of people may be based on what they see on TV and read on the s instead of a deeper analysis of crime based on facts Is fear of crime associated with too much exposure with media that portray crime and violence ? The perception of citizens about crime and the relationship of media to this are very important in the efforts of law enforcers and government agencies in reducing the crime rate and protecting people against crime...