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Deterrence - A Reconceptualization

NCJ Number
95925
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1984) Pages: 593-609
Author(s)
H F Pestello
Date Published
1984
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article examines deterrence relationships using path analytic techniques.
Abstract
A sample of 271 high school students were analyzed to determine the impact of perceived severity, certainty, and celerity of punishment upon student misbehavior. None of the deterrence relationships were significant. However, when perceived fear of the consequences was introduced, perceived celerity of sanction did have the predicted relationships with fear. The data raise some important questions about deterrence relationships. (Author abstract)