Appendix B: Web Instrument for the Crime Vignette Experiment
This voluntary survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and you may skip any questions you do not wish to answer. It is being conducted by the Department of Justice in order to test some survey questions for a crime survey (OMB # XXXXX). If you would like to review information about data confidentiality, please click on the following link: [LINK]
Let’s start with a few questions about you.
1. How old were you on your last birthday?
_______ years old
SHOW TEXT IF RESPONDENT REQUESTS LINK
Data Confidentiality
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), part of the Department of Justice, has partnered with Westat to conduct research about crime and victimization. This current SurveyMonkey survey is being used to help assist in designing questions for a national survey on crime. BJS’ pledge of confidentiality is based on its governing statutes Title 42 USC, Section 3735 and 3789g, which establish the allowable use of data collected by BJS. Under these sections, data collected by BJS shall be used only for statistical or research purposes and shall be gathered in a manner that precludes their use for law enforcement or any purpose relating to a particular individual other than statistical or research purposes (Section 3735). BJS staff, other federal employees, and Westat staff (the data collection agent) shall not use or reveal any research or statistical information identifiable to any specific private person for any purpose other than the research and statistical purposes for which it was obtained. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3789g, BJS will not publish any data identifiable specific to a private person (including respondents and decedents). To protect the identity of the respondents, no identifying information will be kept on the final data file. The survey will not be collecting the name of any of the respondents.
2. What is your race? Please select one or more.
White
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
3. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Did not complete high school
High school graduate or GED (diploma or equivalent)
Some college, trade or vocational school (no degree)
Associate’s degree or trade/vocational school diploma
Bachelor’s degree (eg. BA, AB, BS)
Graduate or Professional Degree
4. Are you male or female?
Male
Female
5. Are you now married, widowed, divorced, separated, or never married?
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
On the next few screens, you will read about something that happened. Pretend that it happened to you and then answer the question that follows. Here is the first one:
{INSERT RANDOM VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
6. {INSERT RANDOM QUESTION HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q6 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
RANDOM ASSIGNMENT OF VERSION 1 OR 2 PATH (SAME ASSIGNMENT MAINTAINED)
Q6 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, you were at a coffee shop. You left your new sunglasses, which cost you $15, on the table while you went to the bathroom. When you came back, your sunglasses had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 2]: Last month, you were at a coffee shop. You left your expensive new laptop at the table while you went to the bathroom. When you came back, the laptop had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 3]: Last month, you had a party at your home. Twenty of your friends and acquaintances came to the party. The next morning you noticed that your new sunglasses, which cost you $15, had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 4]: Last month, you had a party at your home. Twenty of your friends and acquaintances came to the party. The next morning you noticed that your expensive new laptop had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 5]: Last month, you had your sister and her teenage son over for dinner. You are close to both of them. The next morning, you noticed that your new sunglasses, which cost $15, had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 6]: Last month, you had your sister and her teenage son over for dinner. You are close to both of them. The next morning, you noticed your expensive new laptop had been taken.
Q6 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
Here are some examples of the kinds of crimes this study covers. Tell me if any of these happened to you in the last 6 months.
Was something belonging to YOU stolen, such as ….
Things that you carry, like luggage, a wallet, purse, briefcase, or book?
Clothing, jewelry, or cellphone?
Bicycle or sports equipment?
Things in your home, like a TV, stereo, or tools?
Things outside your home, such as a garden hose or lawn furniture?
Things belonging to children in the household?
Things from a vehicle, such as a package, groceries, camera, or CDs?
Or did anyone ATTEMPT to steal anything belonging to you?
Based on the incident you just read, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last 6 months, was anything belonging to YOU stolen?
Based on the incident you just read, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q7 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
7. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 7 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q7 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
Q7 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, your boss let you take a work-related book home from your office. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the book on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the book had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 2] Last month, your boss let you take a laptop home from your office. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the laptop on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the laptop had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 3] Last month, you bought a new book. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the book on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the book had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 4] Last month, you bought a new laptop. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the laptop on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the laptop had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 5] Last month, you bought a book on accounting for your business. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the book on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the book had been taken.
[VIGNETTE 6] Last month, you bought a new laptop for your business. On your way home, you stopped for coffee and left the laptop on the counter while you paid for your drink. When you went to pick it up, the laptop had been taken.
Q7 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
Here are some examples of the kinds of crimes this study covers. Tell me if any of these happened to you in the last 6 months.
Was something belonging to YOU stolen, such as ….
a) Things that you carry, like luggage, a wallet, purse, briefcase, or book?
b) Clothing, jewelry, or cellphone?
c) Bicycle or sports equipment?
d) Things in your home, like a TV, stereo, or tools?
e) Things outside your home, such as a garden hose or lawn furniture?
f) Things belonging to children in the household?
g) Things from a vehicle, such as a package, groceries, camera, or CDs?
h) Or did anyone ATTEMPT to steal anything belonging to you?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last 6 months, was anything belonging to YOU stolen?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q8 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
8. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 8 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q8 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
Q8 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, someone, you have no idea who, broke into your home, but nothing was taken.
[VIGNETTE 2] Last month, a stranger broke into your home and stole your TV.
[VIGNETTE 3] Last month, someone broke into your home, but nothing was taken. You’re pretty sure it was one of your son’s friends, who you don’t know very well.
[VIGNETTE 4] Last month, someone broke into your home and stole your TV. You’re pretty sure it was one of your son’s friends, who you don’t know very well.
[VIGNETTE 5] Last month, someone broke into your home, but nothing was taken. You’re pretty sure it was your brother, whom you are close to. He’s been having financial problems lately.
[VIGNETTE 6] Last month, someone broke into your home and stole your TV. You’re pretty sure it was your brother, whom you are close to. He’s been having financial problems lately.
Q8 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
Here are some examples of the kinds of crimes this study covers. Tell me if any of these happened to you in the last 6 months.
Has anyone …
Broken in or ATTEMPTED to break into your home by forcing a door or window, pushing past someone, jimmying a lock, cutting a screen, or entering through an open door or window?
Has anyone illegally gotten in or tried to get into a garage, shed, or storage room?
Or illegally gotten in or tried to get into a hotel or motel room or vacation home where you were staying?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last 6 months, that is since [DATE], did anyone break in or try to break into your home, your garage or shed, or a hotel or motel room or vacation home where you were staying?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q9 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
9. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 9 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q9 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
Q9 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, you parked at a train station. When you came back to your car, your gas cap was on the ground and there was less gas in the tank.
[VIGNETTE 2] Last month, you parked at a train station. When you came back to your car, the windows were smashed and the stereo was missing.
[VIGNETTE 3] Last month, your car was in the driveway, and when you came out of your home, you noticed a teenager from your neighborhood siphoning gas from your car.
[VIGNETTE 4] Last month, your car was parked in your driveway. When you came out of your home, you saw a teenager from your neighborhood taking the stereo out of your car.
[VIGNETTE 5] Last month, you came out of your home and noticed your teenage son siphoning gas from your car.
[VIGNETTE 6] Last month, your car was parked in your driveway. When you came out of your home, you saw your teenage son taking the stereo out of your car.
Q9 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
Here are some examples of the kinds of crimes this study covers. Tell me if any of these happened to you in the last 6 months.
Was any vehicle that you own …
Stolen or used without permission?
Did anyone steal any parts such as a tire, car stereo, hubcap, or battery?
Did anyone steal any gas from a vehicle you own?
Or did anyone ATTEMPT to steal any vehicle or part attached to a vehicle you own?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last 6 months, did anyone steal or try to steal any vehicle you own? Did anyone steal or try to steal any vehicle parts or gas from a vehicle you own?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q10 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
10. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 10 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q10 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
Q10 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, you were at a restaurant. You accidentally bumped into a stranger. He grabbed your shoulder forcefully and said “Watch out!”
[VIGNETTE 2] Last month, you were at a restaurant. You accidentally bumped into a stranger. He turned around and punched you in the face, giving you a black eye.
[VIGNETTE 3] Last month, you were at a company gathering at a restaurant. On the way out, you accidentally bumped into a co-worker who you don’t know well. He grabbed your shoulder forcefully and said “Watch out!”
[VIGNETTE 4] Last month, you were at a company gathering at a restaurant. On the way out, you accidentally bumped into a co-worker who you don’t know well. He punched you in the face, giving you a black eye.
[VIGNETTE 5] Last month, you were out at a restaurant with a good friend. On the way out, you accidentally bumped into him. He grabbed your shoulder forcefully and said “Watch out!”
[VIGNETTE 6] Last month, you were out at a restaurant with a good friend. On the way out, you accidentally bumped into him. He punched you in the face, giving you a black eye.
Q10 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
In the last six months, has anyone attacked or threatened you in any of these ways …
With any weapon, for instance, a gun or knife?
With anything like a baseball bat, frying pan, scissors, or stick?
By something thrown, such as a rock or bottle?
Include any grabbing, punching, or choking?
Any rape, attempted rape or other type of sexual attack?
Any face to face threats?
Any attack or threat or use of force by anyone at all? Please mention it even if you are not certain it was a crime.
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last six months, has anyone attacked or threatened you in any way.
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q11 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
11. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 11 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q11 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
Q11 VIGNETTES 1 TO 6
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, a stranger leaned over and kissed you on your forehead. You were surprised, but did not say anything.
[VIGNETTE 2 - TWO WORDINGS DEPENDING ON GENDER]
[USE WORDING 2A – IF GENDER=FEMALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, a stranger put his hand on your rear end. You pushed him away, but he kissed you on the mouth.
[USE WORDING 2B – IF GENDER=MALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, a stranger put her hand on your rear end. You pushed her away, but she kissed you on the mouth.
[VIGNETTE 3] Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with a co-worker you don’t know very well. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, the co-worker leaned over and kissed you on your forehead. You were surprised, but did not say anything.
[VIGNETTE 4 - TWO WORDINGS DEPENDING ON GENDER]
[USE WORDING 4A – IF GENDER=FEMALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with a co-worker you don’t know very well. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, the co-worker put his hand on your rear end. You pushed him away, but he kissed you on the mouth.
[USE WORDING 4B – IF GENDER=MALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with a co-worker you don’t know very well. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, the co-worker put her hand on your rear end. You pushed her away, but she kissed you on the mouth.
[VIGNETTE 5] Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with an old friend. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, your friend leaned over and kissed you on your forehead. You were surprised, but did not say anything.
[VIGNETTE 6 - TWO WORDINGS DEPENDING ON GENDER]
[USE WORDING 6A – IF GENDER=FEMALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with an old friend. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, your friend put his hand on your rear end. You pushed him away, but he kissed you on the mouth.
[USE WORDING 6B – IF GENDER=MALE]: Last month, you were at a sports bar watching a game with an old friend. The home team scored a touchdown. As people were celebrating, your friend put her hand on your rear end. You pushed her away, but she kissed you on the mouth.
Q11 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
Incidents involving forced or unwanted sexual acts are often difficult to talk about. In the past 6 months, have you been forced or coerced to engage in unwanted sexual activity by …
Someone you didn’t know before?
A casual acquaintance?
Or someone you know well?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
Incidents involving forced or unwanted sexual acts are often difficult to talk about. In the last six months, has ANYONE forced or coerced you to engage in any unwanted sexual activity?
Based on the incident above, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Here is the next situation:
{INSERT RANDOM Q12 VIGNETTE HERE}
Based only on this situation, how would you answer this question?
12. {INSERT RANDOM VERSION OF QUESTION 12 HERE}
WEB INSTRUCTIONS:
RANDOMLY SELECT FROM Q12 VIGNETTES 1 TO 4
Q12 VIGNETTES 1 TO 4
[VIGNETTE 1] Last month, you were walking home. You accidently bumped into a stranger, who began swearing at you. The next thing you know, he threw a punch at you and gave you a fat lip.
[VIGNETTE 2]: Last month, you were walking home. You accidently bumped into a stranger, who began swearing at you. Without thinking, you threw a punch at him but didn’t hit him. Unfortunately, he threw a punch at you too and gave you a fat lip.
[VIGNETTE 3]: Last month, you were walking home with a good friend. You accidently stumbled, bumping into him. He began swearing at you. The next thing you know, he threw a punch at you too and gave you a fat lip.
[VIGNETTE 4]: Last month, you were walking home with a good friend. You accidently stumbled, bumping into him. He began swearing at you. Without thinking, you threw a punch at him but didn’t hit him. Unfortunately, he threw a punch at you too and gave you a fat lip.
Q12 QUESTION VERSIONS 1 AND 2
[VERSION 1]
In the last six months, has anyone attacked or threatened you in any of these ways …
With any weapon, for instance, a gun or knife?
With anything like a baseball bat, frying pan, scissors, or stick?
By something thrown, such as a rock or bottle?
Include any grabbing, punching, or choking?
Any rape, attempted rape or other type of sexual attack?
Any face to face threats?
Any attack or threat or use of force by anyone at all? Please mention it even if you are not certain it was a crime.
Based on the incident you just read, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[VERSION 2]
In the last six months, has anyone attacked or threatened you in ANY way?
Based on the incident you just read, would you definitely say “yes,” probably say “yes,” probably say “no,” or definitely say “no”?
o Definitely “yes”
o Probably “yes”
o Probably ”no”
o Definitely ”no”
[NEXT SCREEN]
Please answer these questions about yourself, rather than based on the stories you read earlier. They will help us understand your answers to the earlier questions.
13. Thinking about all types of crime, in general how worried are you about being a victim of crime?
Very worried
Fairly worried
Not very worried
Not at all worried
14. How likely do you think you PERSONALLY are to be a victim of crime in the next year?
Very likely
Fairly likely
Fairly unlikely
Very unlikely
15. How safe do you feel walking alone in your neighborhood after dark?
Very safe
Fairly safe
A bit unsafe
Very unsafe
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Roger Tourangeau |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-30 |