지역사회 범죄연구와 가변적 공간단위의 문제(MAUP)

초록

This study attempted to prove the probability of MAUP (Modifiable Areal Unit Problem) in Korean contexts in order to activate neighborhood-level research on crime and help governments to develop effective crime prevention policy. To this end, multiple regression analyses on homicide rate were conducted for nation-wide 242 cities, counties, and districts and 36 Eup, Myon, and Dong areas of Cheonan and Asan cities. Results showed that the correlations among structural covariates and the causal mechanisms to homicide rates were different depending on the size of the unit of analysis, which suggested that the MAUP is likely to be present in Korean situations. Although a few limitations could cast doubt on such interpretations of the results, the value of this research would not be simply denied as the first attempt to prove the possibility of MAUP, especially the scale effect. It is expected that this study contributes to inquiring the exact cause of the Korean crime problem.

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