In criminal statistics studies, official data on prosecution and punishment, such as data on clearance rates and penalty types, are correlated with officially registered criminality. This approach is used to obtain information on links between the probability of punishment and the extent of criminality. Different approaches have been used in survey studies, including interview, self-report, and panel surveys. Empirical research to date has not adequately covered positive general prevention, specifically the impact of penal law on the population's legal consciousness. Legal consciousness or lifestyle does not preclude criminal acts but does reduce their probability. Long-term attitudes and action patterns are shaped by socialization, and deterrence may have long-term impact through penal laws that favor the development of legal lifestyles. Benefits and criticisms of various research techniques are noted. 42 references