Higgins, Fell and Wilson (2006)
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Source Details
Higgins, Fell and Wilson (2006) | |
Title: | Digital Piracy: Assessing the Contributions of an Integrated Self-Control Theory and Social Learning Theory Using Structural Equation Modeling |
Author(s): | Higgins, G. E., Fell, B. D., Wilson, A. L. |
Year: | 2006 |
Citation: | Higgins, G. E., Fell, B. D. and Wilson, A. L. 2006. Digital Piracy: Assessing the Contributions of an Integrated Self-Control Theory and Social Learning Theory Using Structural Equation Modeling. Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society, 19, 3-22. |
Link(s): | Definitive , Open Access |
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Discipline: | |
Linked by: | Higgins (2007), Higgins, Wolfe and Ricketts (2009) |
About the Data | |
Data Description: | The researchers gave a self-report questionnaire to college students at an eastern university in the USA, in the fall 2004 semester. 392 completed questionnaires an the sample was on average 21.37 years old (±2.27) and sophmores in college. The sample was 61% females and 39% males. |
Data Type: | Primary data |
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Data Analysis Methods: | |
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Cross Country Study?: | No |
Comparative Study?: | Yes |
Literature review?: | No |
Government or policy study?: | No |
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Abstract
Results indicated that low self-control and social learning theory could integrate in different ways to explain digital piracy. Specifically, the study developed a three-factor model that indicated that low self-control, combined with social learning, could lead to digital piracy. This supports Hirschi and Gottfredson’s (1993) assertion that self-control is impacted by constraints. The constraint in this case is the need for individuals to learn how to perform digital piracy. The authors suggest that universities seeking to reduce digital piracy should consider developing policies and programs based on social learning theory. Participants were 392 college students who completed a self-report questionnaire measuring aspects of social control, association with digital pirating peers, attitudes toward software piracy, and intentions to commit digital piracy. The analysis involved the use of structural equation modeling to test how four models of low self-control and social learning combined to produce the commission of digital piracy. Future research should use different measures of digital piracy and should consider the theoretical links that low self-control has with other theories in terms of their contribution to explaining digital piracy. Future research should also consider using a longitudinal design.
Main Results of the Study
- The purpose of the present study was to shed light on an emerging form of white-collar crime like digital piracy by applying crime theories. The study examined the links between self-control theory and social learning theory and digital piracy.
4 models are used in the paper:
- The first model produces confirmatory factor analysis to assess the construct validity;
- Second structural model is examined to find out if the link between low self-control and digital piracy is mediated by social learning theory;
- Third model finds low self-control and social learning theory have independent direct links with digital piracy;
- Fourth model finds that low self-control has an indirect effect on digital piracy, but low self-control maintains a direct effect on digital piracy.
- That is, low self-control and social learning theory have independent direct links with digital piracy (Model Three). Further, low self-control has an indirect effect on digital piracy, but low self-control maintains a direct effect on digital piracy (Model Four).
- The study provides evidence that low self-control, social learning theory, and digital piracy have a link. Specifically, the results suggest that the link between low self-control and digital piracy is partially mediated by social learning theory.
Policy Implications as Stated By Author
University administrators should develop policy that may aid in the reduction of digital piracy. The focus of these programs should come from social learning theory. These policies should emphasize developing proper friendships with nondigital pirating peers.
Coverage of Study
Datasets
Sample size: | 392 |
Level of aggregation: | University students |
Period of material under study: | 2004 |