The challenges of empirically comparing cybercriminals and traditional criminals

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Abstract

In the theoretical literature, many differences between cybercriminals and traditional criminals are discussed. On the one hand, the empirical literature tends to focus only on cybercrime and usually does not empirically compare cybercriminals with traditional criminals. However, such a comparison enables an empirical evaluation on the extent to which traditional criminological theories and concepts are equally important in explaining cybercrime. Comparing such different types of crime committed in completely different contexts is, however, also very challenging. One needs to find comparable samples of criminals and find research methods suitable for both groups. Based on the experiences resulting from empirical comparisons of cybercriminals and traditional criminals, this chapter will discuss several of these challenges. In addition to methodological choices, it will also discuss differences between cybercriminals and traditional criminals in, for example, response rates or privacy awareness, as this may be useful in both comparative research as well as research specifically focused on cybercrime.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearching Cybercrimes
Subtitle of host publicationMethodologies, Ethics, and Critical Approaches
EditorsAnita Lavorgna, Thomas J. Holt
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherPalgrave / MacMillan
Chapter6
Pages107-126
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9783030748371
ISBN (Print)9783030748364
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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