All research projects are based on variables that act as the primary area of study. Variables can either be independent or dependent. Independent variables are stable and unaffected by other factors, and in most cases, they affect the dependent variables. Dependent variables are unstable and influenced by other factors. In the research question, " Why are white-collar crimes treated differently than other crimes even though they usually do more damage to society?" both independent and dependent variables can be identified. The independent variables in this research question are the types of crimes: white-collar and violent crimes. On the other hand, the dependent variables include the magnitude of damages caused by the two types of crimes, the intensity of punishment by the criminal justice system, and public perceptions.
White-collar crimes are committed by knowledgeable and respected people mostly based on their careers and occupations. These types of crimes are executed non-violently and are mainly done for financial gains. Violent crimes are criminal behaviors that use threats, attempts, or inflicts pains to forcefully acquire something from the victim (Frederick et al., 2016). Based on the dependent variable, the magnitude of damages caused by the two types of crimes is expected to be different. These damages can be termed as the resulting adverse effects of the crime committed. The damages can be measured by calculating the number of people or institutions affected by the crimes by reviewing the past reports about specific crimes.
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In most cases, news updates provide information about crimes and the effects caused. Therefore, this research can base its facts about the damages by using secondary sources like recorded news updates and criminal justice system records. Additionally, it can also use primary data to measure the magnitude of damage by conducting interviews with crime experts by formulating questions like, "Which type of crimes, either white-collar or violent crimes cause more damage in society?"
The intensity of punishment is the severity of the penalty inflicted on the offender based on the type of crimes he committed. Offenders receive different kinds of fines and penalties based on the crimes committed: either white-collar and violent. This difference can be measured by conducting research that involves criminals in the two categories and interviewing them about the crime they committed and the sentence they received from the criminal justice system. Additionally, secondary data from the criminal justice systems can be used to compare the offender's sentence compared to the crimes committed. The punishment can be administered through fines, community services, short and long-term imprisonment, or the death sentence. Lastly, the public perception is the attitude and ideologies projected to different types of crimes. The public is more likely to exhibit different attitudes and beliefs concerning white-collar and violent crimes. People's perceptions cannot be measured directly; however, their reactions toward certain offenses can be used to explain their views and attitude. Additionally, this research can use primary data through questionnaires to analyze people's attitudes and perceptions toward the two types of crimes.
Based on the variables derived from the research question, one can formulate three possible hypotheses. The research can hypothesize that white-collar crimes cause more damage to society than violent crimes. This hypothesis can be explained based on the number of people or institutions affected and the money or properties lost. A vast amount of money and property are lost in white-collar crimes compared to violent crimes. Furthermore, violent crimes target only a few people.
Additionally, the research can hypothesize that violent crime offenders receive severe punishment and sentences than white-collar criminals. White-collar criminals are most likely to receive light penalties like community services, petty fines, house arrest, and probation, among others. On the contrary, violent crime offenders are more likely to receive severe sentences like long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and life imprisonment. The last hypothesis states that the public has a soft view of white-collar crimes and believes it does not severely impact violent crimes.
References
Fredericks, K. A., McComas, R. E., & Weatherby, G. A. (2016). White-collar crime: Recidivism, deterrence, and social impact. Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal , 2 (1), 5-14.
