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Does alcohol eventually lead in delinquency?

Abstract

The specific research is based on the topic of whether alcohol leads in delinquency or not. The research’s main hypothesis is that alcohol affects the consumer’s mood and behavior negatively. In order to develop this research, the quantitative model of research is used. This research had 30 participants (N=30); who were randomly selected from a group of undergraduate criminology and law students. However, 30 questionnaires were carefully created, whereas 30 participants were chosen to receive and answer one questionnaire each, also before the process of completing the questionnaire, each participant received a consent form. Finally, all collected data were inserted in SPSS, whereas correlations, frequencies and a T-Test were developed in order to support the hypothesis.

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Contents

Abstract 1

Contents Page 2

Literature review 3

Methodology 5

Design 5

Participants 5

Procedure 6

Materials 6

Ethics 7

Data Analysis 7

Discussion 9

References 10

Appendences 12

Consent Form – Ethics 12

Questionnaire 14

Example of Data Analysis 18

Synopsis 24

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Literature Review

The specific research is based on the topic of whether alcohol leads in delinquency or not. The central idea is that, alcohol is threating the public’s safety. A criminal act with alcohol present is affecting not only victims, but also the offender, the victim’s family, the offender’s family and the society as a whole. Numerous researches and investigations were conducted from decades ago in order to confirm that alcohol leads in delinquency. Also, various researchers attempted to develop research and investigation techniques in order to identify a solution to shut that phenomenon down.

Excessive use of alcohol tends to increase aggression, lower inhibition and alters perception of acceptable behavior (BJS, 1998). Leigh supported this statement and also added that, alcohol and drugs are the two most likely factors that are able to influence catastrophically youth’s response in violence (Leigh, 1987).

According to Greenfeld, 36% of convinced offenders were consuming alcohol during their offence(s) (Greenfeld, 1996). A BJS (Bureau of Justice Statistics), in 1996 provided that 5, 3 million convicted offenders existed. Almost 2 million, 36% of them were consuming alcohol during their criminal or delinquent act. However, another BJS statement, claimed that, 40% of all violent crimes, 40% of all motor and vehicle accidents and 40% of all general offenders regardless of the prison type they are locked in and from the treatment they receive, if they do, were committed under the influence of alcohol. Alternatively, alcohol use during an offence is most likely to be found in public-order offences (BJS, 1996).

During 1980, a research was developed with aim to provide a statistical result on imprisonments that were in custody for alcohol involving crimes. White males’ imprisonments who committed and offence with alcohol present constituted the 10, 8% of all imprisonments (who participated in the experiment), whereas 3, 5% were females. Black males constituted the 32, 4% as well as females the 10, 6%. Those high values, in a period of fourteen years were significantly decreased. The same research was developed in 1994 also whereas all values were decreased. White males were found to constitute only 9, 9% and females 2, 7%. Alternatively, the bigger decrease was found in black males; from 32, 4% down to 20, 4% and females down to 5, 6% (BJS, 1994). The above concept can be supported throw two main ideologies. According to Bollwahn, alcohol use and abuse are found in the center of poverty

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(Bollwahn, 2002). Either those rates were significantly decreased because the economic status of the UK was growing, or the other perspective is correct in which new laws were created that were forbidding alcohol in several vulnerable groups and places. In the UK laws were voted against alcohol. Firstly and significantly important law is the forbiddance of underage youths to consume or buy alcohol in public places; both seller and customer will be charged. Also transferring alcohol through public transport became forbidden as well.

Furthermore, there are nations, states and countries that have higher alcohol taxes and higher limitations on finding alcohol. Those nations and countries tend to have lower crime votes (Kaestner, 2004). That phenomenon reduced the fraction of arrests for public drunkenness and disorder, vandalism and property crimes (Chilton and Weber, 2000).

Furthermore, the research’s main hypothesis is that alcohol affects the consumer’s mood and behavior negatively. The most known and important effect of alcohol is the aggressive behavior. An intoxicated individual who has no self-control and has increased aggression from alcohol is most likely to commit a delinquent or criminal act. Also several countries and nations that have more or stricter laws seem to have lower crime rates than other places.

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Methodology

Design

The specific research is on the topic of whether alcohol might lead in delinquency or not. In order to develop that research, the quantitative model of research is used. The quantitative method requires some criteria, more specifically; the researcher must set aside any personal experiences, perceptions, beliefs and biases (Lincoln and Guba, 1985). However, is explains phenomena and concepts through the collection of numerical data (Aliaga and Gunderson, 2000). Quantitative method is divided in four types, for the specific research, the Descriptive method was used. Descriptive method mainly involves collected numerical data in order to test whether the hypotheses concerning the current status of the subjects is valid or not. It also determines and reports the way things are. The aim is to find out whether alcohol leads in delinquency, and maybe under what circumstances, the hypothesis will be proven either true or false based on 15 female (n=15) criminology and law students and 15 more male (n=15) criminology and law students.

Participants

This research had thirty participants (N=30); who were randomly selected from a group of undergraduate criminology and law students. All participants were picked under some requirements; all of them should be students of the Law or Criminology department of the Alexander College, also 15 participants should be females and other 15 males. Education, age, socio-economic status and religion weren’t factors of choosing participants.

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Procedure

Firstly, thirty questionnaires were carefully created, whereas thirty participants were chosen to receive and answer one questionnaire each. Participants beyond the questionnaire received also a consent form which included the ethics also. Several questionnaires were handed to participants in the college, during break time, whereas others were sent through email. Finally, after all questionnaires were answered and handed back to the researcher, whereas every collected data were imported in SPSS.

Materials

The collection of information was made through questionnaires, specifically quantitative designed questionnaires. Surveys were created with aim to provide the maximum usable and accurate result they can. In order to achieve that goal, there are several required features; the purpose of the questionnaire should be explained, the length should be appropriate, neither too long or to short and finally, the questions should be clear, well-structured and simple.

Furthermore, in order to develop this research, numerous important materials were collected, analyzed and used. Those data were mainly collected through web articles, articles, journals, books and e-books. The collected materials did not affect the whole research’s aim or result but they undoubtedly contributed in the questionnaires’ development, the familiarization with the topic, as well as structuring the research.

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Ethics

Furthermore, before the process of completing the questionnaire, each participant received a consent form. Through that consent form, participants were informed that, they would be asked to answer questions according to any personal experiences, knowledge and perspectives they might had. Consent forms were stating that all questionnaires would support and provide anonymity, the aim was not to confuse and expose any participant’s details or information. All participants had the right to withdraw or abandon the questionnaire at any time without been asked to answer any further questions, as well as the reason of his/her withdrawal. In case of a withdrawal from the questionnaire, all collected material and data would be destroyed immediately with the participant present.

Data Analysis

Ultimately, 30 participants were involved in the research; specifically they compromised and answered one questionnaire. Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 mainly focus participant’s demographics and provide frequencies. 15 participants were females (n=15), whereas 15 were males (n=15). Based on the study department, it seems that the Criminology Department constituted the majority, 63.3% whereas 19 out of 30 participants were criminology students (n=19). Law Department’s participants constituted the minority at 36.7% whereas 11 students of law participated (n=11). Finally, participants were divided in three age groups. The first age group is identified at the age of 17 – 20 and constituted 26.7% in which 8 participants were assigned (n=8). The second group is placed for the age of 21 – 23 and constituted the majority, 56.7%, whereas 17 participants (n=17) confirmed the fitted in. Last group is the age of 24+ which also constituted the minority 16.7%, whereas the number of 5 students (n=5) is registered in.

However, in Table 5, 6, 7 and 8 there are provided frequencies on four basic questions. Those questions were used as well in order to figure whether the research’s hypothesis is valid or not. Table 5 incudes the question: “Youths tend to consume alcohol and they are not aware of the consequences”. 15 participants (n=15) strongly agreed, which constitutes the 50%, whereas other 15 participants (n=15), the remaining 50% stated that they agree,

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Table 6 is based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ statement: “Persistent substance abuse among youth is often accompanied by an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related consequences, poor peer relationships, mental health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. There are also significant consequences for family members, the community, and society in general”. 15 participants (n=15) out of 30 strongly agreed, which constitutes the 50%, other 15 participants (n=15), the remaining 50% stated as well that they agree,

Table 7, is providing frequencies on whether alcohol overlaps with delinquency. 15 participants (n=15) stated that they strongly agree, whereas they constituted the majority, 50%. 14 participants (n=14) agreed, at the rate of 46.5% and eventually 1 participant (n=1) remained neutral, 3.3%.

Finally, table 8 includes the following statement: “If alcohol laws were re-evaluated, and became stricter, delinquency would decrease”. The minority, 30% of participants strongly agreed, specifically 9 students (n=9). The majority picked the “Agree” answer at the rate of 36.7% which constitute the number of 11 participants (n=11). Also 10 participants (n=10) remained neutral, which constitute the 33.3%.

Alternatively, Table 9 and 10 are some providing correlations. Those correlations will figure whether the research’s hypothesis is valid or not. Ultimately, the above questions were used in correlation. The result of “Youths tend to consume alcohol and they are not aware of the consequences.” and “Persistent substance abuse among youth is often accompanied by an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related consequences, poor peer relationships, mental health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. There are also significant consequences for family members, the community, and society in general” seems to be strongly positive at ,200 Pearson’s r. Also the result of “Alcohol overlaps with delinquency” and “If alcohol laws were re-evaluated, and became stricter, delinquency would decrease” is strongly positive as well at ,184.

As stated below in the T-Test, the “Means” of males seems to be higher than females. We can assume that this result developed from the fact that males are most likely to consume excessive amount of alcohol and tend to have more aggressive behavior while they are intoxicated as well. The more increased the behavior is, and then the most increase the chances are to lead the individual in violent outburst. However, the means in the “sig. (2-tailed)” row are higher than 0.5.

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Discussion

Furthermore, the process of conducting the research on whether alcohol leads in delinquency had multiple stages. Firstly, the research required study on the topic of alcohol, delinquency, youth delinquency and alcoholic youths, as well as learning laws on alcohol. Simultaneously, 30 questionnaires were carefully structured created and handed in 30 participants (n=30). After all 30 questionnaires were completed and handed back to the researcher, answers should been collected within the questionnaires. Those answers were inserted in SPSS and used in order to develop several important specific frequencies and correlations, as well as a T-Test.

Eventually, Tables were conducted with Quantitative informations such as; T-Test, Frequencies and Correlations. Frequencies mainly were stating percentages between groups such as; Gender: “Male – Female”, Age Group: “17-20”, “21-23” and “24+” and also Department of study: “Criminology – Law”. After all, two important questions were picked and used in the Correlation Table. Correlations Table is stating whether the research had a hypothesis or a null-hypothesis. The specific correlation’s result developed positive, whereas the hypothesis was strongly correct.

Ultimately, the hypothesis of the research is valid, alcohol eventually leads in delinquency. An individual, who tends to consume alcohol, excessive amount of it specifically, is most likely to have aggressive behavior (BJS, 1998). Concerning two main phenomena, aggression and no self-control will finally lead in criminal behavior or delinquency.

Through the T-Test, it was certified that male means were higher than females’. That concept can be supported through the fact that men consume alcohol more often than women. Also males are more likely to consume large amount of alcohol compared to females. However, beyond the fact that males consume more alcohol, they also tend to have more aggressive behavior, losing self-control more often than and constitute as well the majority of committed violent crimes. Furthermore, in the following pages all developed and used tables for this research are provided.

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References

Bazeley, P. (2003). Computerized data analysis for mixed methods research. In A.

Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioral

research (pp. 385–422). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Barnes, G,M., et al. (2002) Relationship Of Alcohol Use To Delinquency and illicit Drug Use in Adolescents: Gender, Age, and Racial/Ethnic Differences. Journal of Drug Issues [online]. 32 (1), pp. 153-178. [Accessed 03 February 2014].

Barnes, G.,M. (2005) Relationship of Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use to Delinquency. Journal of Drug Issues [online]. 32 (153), pp. 1-27. [Accessed 17 April 2014].

Brempong, K. (2001) Alcohol Availability and Crime: Evidence from Census Tract Data. Southern Economic Journal [online]. 68 (1), pp. 2-21. [Accessed 17 April 2014].

Dembo, R., et al. (2007) Drug Use and Delinquent Behavior: A Growth Model of Parallel Processes Among High-Risk Youths. Criminal Justice and Behaviour [online]. 34 (5), pp. 680-696. [Accessed 05 February 2014].

Howard, G.,E. (1918) Alcohol and Crime: A Study in Social Causation. American Journal of Sociology [online]. 24 (1), pp. 61-80. [Accessed 17 April 2014].

Lawrence, H, R. (1984). Social Control Through Detterence: Drinking-And-Driving Laws. Annual Review of Sociology. 10 (1), p21-35.

Moskowitz, H., Burns, M. (1990). Effects of alcohol on driving performance. Alcohol

Health & Research World, 14(1), 12-14.

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Oesterle, S., et al. (2012) A Cross-National Comparison of Risk and Protective Factors for Adolescent Drug Use and Delinquency in the United States and the Netherlands. Journal of Drug Issues [online]. 42 (4), pp. 337-357. [Accessed 05 February 2014].

Rossi, P. H., et al. (2004). Evaluation: A systematic approach. Thousand Oaks, CA:

SAGE.

Stephen, L.R. (2003) The Treatment of Alcohol Dependence in Ireland. Studies: an Irish Quarterly Review [online]. 92 (367), pp. 243-247. [Accessed 05 February 2014].

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Appendences

Consent Form with Ethics Included

Dear participants;

My name is Michalis Andreou and I am an undergraduate student studying

criminology at the University of the West of England. The study that you are

volunteering to partake in is a part of my assignments for my undergraduate degree.

This research is focused on the topic of “Alcohol Delinquency”; whether alcohol

leads in delinquency or generally in deviant acts. The following questionnaire will

investigate the perception and knowledge on alcohol delinquency, as criminology and

law students. The aim of this questionnaire is to attempt to understand whether

alcohol is a cause of delinquency or not, whereas the main hypothesis is that; alcohol

leads in delinquency. In this questionnaire you are being asked the degree in which

you agree or disagree with a series of items either as statistical or hypothetical

statements.

As such there is absolutely no deception involved in this study; the research is trying

to gauge your perspectives; it is not trying to catch you out, confuse you, and try to

gain your support unawares or expose you. The only important in this research is your

true perspective, nothing more – nothing less, so please answer as honestly as

possible. Any result and information gathered in relation to the research (including

your details or response details) will remain strictly confidential as there will be no

trace to your identity involved; therefore no perspectives or personal experiences will

point you out.

The only person that will have access to the material will be the researcher. All

participants have the right stop the questionnaire at any time without been asked the

reason for doing so. Participants are not forced to answer all questions but are in fact

encouraged to for best possible conclusions. All the material collected will be

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destroyed after the assignment finishes, unless the participant withdraws from the

questionnaire, in that case all material will be destroyed immediately.

It is important that you fully understand all the ethical issues involved in this research

and that you take them into account when deciding to participate in this study. If you

have any question please do not hesitate to contact the researcher

(m.andreou2@alexander.ac.cy) who will be happy to help.

Please carefully read the statements below and indicate your agreement by

checking the boxes next to each statement.

I confirm that I have read and understand the information above regarding the above

study.

I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any

time, without giving any reason, without my rights to being affected.

I agree to take part in the above study

Date: ………………………………….

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Questionnaire

This questionnaire is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A: requires you to

respond to statements regarding ‘Alcohol and Crime’; and Part B: requires you to

respond to Demographic Questions about yourself.

Remember to answer as honestly as possible.

Part A: Please complete this section of the questionnaire by circling your response

using the scale provided from 1 to 5, where:

1= Strongly Disagree, 2= Disagree, 3= Neutral, 4= Agree and 5= Strongly Agree;

1. Alcohol overlaps with delinquency

2. The excessive use of alcohol might affect mood

3. The excessive use of alcohol might affect behavior

4. Alcohol leads to aggressive behavior

5. An alcoholic is most likely to be delinquent

6. An important cause of delinquency is alcohol

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7. If alcohol laws were re-evaluated, and became stricter, delinquency would

decrease

8. In several nations and countries, it is hard to find alcohol because of laws. Crime

rates in those places are lower than other states and nations. Implementing this to

Cyprus would have positive effects.

9. I usually consume a large amount of alcohol when I go out.

10. If I consume a lot of alcohol, I get aggressive.

11. Drinking too much alcohol causes problems.

12. There are plenty of laws on alcohol consumption in Cyprus.

13. Alcohol consumption leads to violent outbursts.

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14. “Persistent substance abuse among youth is often accompanied by an array of

problems, including academic difficulties, health-related consequences, poor peer

relationships, mental health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice

system. There are also significant consequences for family members, the

community, and society in general (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992).”

I agree with this statement.

15. Youths tend to consume alcohol and they are not aware of the consequences.

Part B: Please complete this section of the questionnaire by marking with X your

demographic information

16. Gender

Male

Female

17. Religion

Orthodox

Muslim

Jewish

Other ………

18. Department at College

Criminology

Law

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19. Age Group

17 - 20

21 – 23

24+

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Example of Data Analysis

Table 1

GENDER?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Male 15 50,0 50,0 50,0

Female 15 50,0 50,0 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

Table 2RELIGION?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Orthodox 25 83,3 83,3 83,3

Other 5 16,7 16,7 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

Table 3

DEPARTMENT AT COLLEGE

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Criminology 19 63,3 63,3 63,3

Law 11 36,7 36,7 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

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Table 4

AGE

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

17 - 20 8 26,7 26,7 26,7

21 - 23 17 56,7 56,7 83,3

24+ 5 16,7 16,7 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

Table 5

YOUTHS TEND TO CONSUME ALCOHOL AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE

CONSEQUENCES

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Strongly Agree 15 50,0 50,0 50,0

Agree 15 50,0 50,0 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

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Table 6

“Persistent substance abuse among youth is often accompanied by an array of

problems, including academic difficulties, health-related consequences, poor peer

relationships, mental health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice

system. There

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Strongly Agree 15 50,0 50,0 50,0

Agree 15 50,0 50,0 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

Table 7

ALCOHOL OVERLAPS WITH DELINQUENCY

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative

Percent

Valid

Strongly Agree 15 50,0 50,0 50,0

Agree 14 46,7 46,7 96,7

Neutral 1 3,3 3,3 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

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Table 8IF ALCOHOL LAWS WERE RE-EVALUATED, AND BECAME STRICTER, DELINQUENCY WOULD DECREASE

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid

Strongly Agree 9 30,0 30,0 30,0

Agree 11 36,7 36,7 66,7

Neutral 10 33,3 33,3 100,0

Total 30 100,0 100,0

Tables 9 & 10 Correlations

Correlations

YOUTHS TEND

TO CONSUME

ALCOHOL AND

THEY ARE NOT

AWARE OF THE

CONSEQUENCE

S

“Persistent substance

abuse among youth is

often accompanied by an

[…] involvement with the

juvenile justice system.

There…

YOUTHS TEND TO CONSUME

ALCOHOL AND THEY ARE NOT

AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES

Pearson Correlation 1 ,200

Sig. (2-tailed) ,289

N 30 30

“Persistent substance abuse among

youth is often accompanied by […]

involvement with the juvenile justice

system. There…

Pearson Correlation ,200 1

Sig. (2-tailed) ,289

N 30 30

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ALCOHOL

OVERLAPS

WITH

DELINQUENCY

IF ALCOHOL

LAWS WERE

RE-

EVALUATED,

AND BECAME

STRICTER,

DELINQUENCY

WOULD

DECREASE

ALCOHOL OVERLAPS

WITH DELINQUENCY

Pearson Correlation 1 ,184

Sig. (2-tailed) ,330

N 30 30

IF ALCOHOL LAWS WERE

RE-EVALUATED, AND

BECAME STRICTER,

DELINQUENCY WOULD

DECREASE

Pearson Correlation ,184 1

Sig. (2-tailed) ,330

N 30 30

Table 11 and 12 (T-Test)

Group Statistics

GENDER? N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean

IF ALCOHOL LAWS WERE

RE-EVALUATED, AND

BECAME STRICTER,

DELINQUENCY WOULD

DECREASE

Male 15 2,13 ,743 ,192

Female 15 1,93 ,884 ,228

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

LEADS TO VIOLENT

OUTBURST

Male 15 1,60 ,507 ,131

Female 15 1,53 ,516 ,133

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Independent Samples Test

Levene's

Test for

Equality of

Variances

t-test for Equality of Means

F Sig. t df Sig.

(2-

taile

d)

Mea

n

Diffe

renc

e

Std.

Erro

r

Diffe

renc

e

95%

Confidence

Interval of

the

Difference

Lower Upp

er

IF ALCOHOL LAWS

WERE RE-

EVALUATED, AND

BECAME STRICTER,

DELINQUENCY

WOULD DECREASE

Equal variances

assumed

1,13

1,297

,67

128 ,508 ,200 ,298 -,411 ,811

Equal variances

not assumed

,67

1

27,20

1,508 ,200 ,298 -,412 ,812

ALCOHOL

CONSUMPTION LEADS

TO VIOLENT

OUTBURST

Equal variances

assumed,413 ,526

,35

728 ,724 ,067 ,187 -,316 ,449

Equal variances

not assumed

,35

7

27,99

1,724 ,067 ,187 -,316 ,449

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Synopsis

Consuming alcohol can lead in same bad results and consequences as any other drug, whereas both can develop dependence on it. People are able to perceive drugs consequences and criticize users but are ignorant of any alcohol consequences.

According to Swahn and Donovan, alcohol use and violent behavior are indirectly linked (Swahn and Dolovan, 2004). Webb provides the following argument; does alcohol cause violence, or do violence adolescents drink alcohol? (Webb et al, 2002). Alcohol is proven responsible for more offences committed than all other drugs combined including driving under the influence offences. According to Roizen’s numerous researches, 86% of homicide offenders, 60% of sexual offenders, 37% of assault offenders, 57% of males in marital violence and finally 13% of child abusers were consuming alcohol during their offence (Roizen, 1997), whereas many of them were highly intoxicated.

Alternatively, an important factor in alcohol delinquency is the geographical availability of alcohol. In numerous nations, states and countries youths are forbidden from consuming alcohol. Excessive dose of alcohol have several specific negative impacts on the individual; increase aggression, lower inhibition and alter perceptions of acceptable behavior (BJS, 1998).

The specific topic was selected because alcohol and delinquency are considered as a vicious circle. The main focus of this paper is to verify whether alcohol consumption leads in delinquency.

In order to conduct this research paper, Quantitative method of research will be used; 30 participants are required who will receive a questionnaire with aim to provide their knowledge and opinion on “alcohol delinquency”. All 30 participants will be asked to sign a consent form before the questionnaire and also have the right to reject answering any question or signing anything. They also have the right to stop at any

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point. The research involves the application of fundamental ethical principles; all data collected from the research will be protected, the research will cause no harm to anyone, including participants and will protect the right of anonymity.