Publication Date

8-2019

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

7-16-2019

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Department

Criminal Justice

Supervisory Committee Chair

Lisa Growette Bostaph Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Laura King, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Jacqueline Lee, J.D., Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Jessica Wells, Ph.D.

Abstract

Recent advances in criminological theory have changed the way we approach age-old questions of criminality. Routine activity theory, hotspots analyses, and spatial-statistical models have become popular methods of investigating criminal phenomena. This study tests the applicability of spatial analyses and routine activity theory by examining the relationship between a geographically-measured lack of guardianship composite score and the occurrence of child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual assault perpetrated against minors (SAAM). Moran’s I, single kernel interpolation, dual kernel interpolation, and spatial lag regression are used as methods of analysis for this study. Strong evidence of spatial clustering is observed and a significant relationship between the lack of guardianship composite score and the spatial lag of CSA and SAAM incidents is identified. These findings further support routine activity theory and demonstrate the need to continue integration of spatial-statistical techniques with traditional criminological theory.

DOI

10.18122/td/1600/boisestate

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