Inter-American Development Bank (2016). Latin American Public Opinion Project - Victimization and Crime survey Bahamas: 2014. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/1l7bczkq

1. English

What does this dataset reveal about the crime rate in Guyana?

The dataset provides nationally representative data on the Guyana crime rate, including citizens’ reported experiences of theft, assault, and other crimes. It also tracks perceptions of safety, trust in law enforcement, and the impact of crime on daily life and community well-being.

What is the source of this data?

The information comes from the LAPOP AmericasBarometer 2014 Survey, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The survey includes a special victimization and crime module that captures firsthand experiences and public perceptions of crime.

Who was surveyed in Guyana?

The survey sampled individuals aged 16 and older across Guyana, representing diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and gender groups. Respondents shared their views and experiences related to personal safety, public institutions, and social trust.

What types of crime indicators are included?

The dataset includes variables on:

1. Victimization experiences (e.g., robbery, assault, threats)
2. Perceptions of neighborhood safety and fear of crime
3. Confidence in police and judicial systems
4. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents

How can this data be used for policy and research?

Researchers and policymakers can use this dataset to:

1. Analyze patterns in the crime rate in Guyana
2. Identify vulnerable groups and geographic areas most affected by crime
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of public safety and crime prevention initiatives
4. Compare Guyana’s results with those of other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Where can I find additional information or methodology?

The dataset includes technical documentation, survey questionnaires, and methodology notes under the files “Bahamas_Tech_Info_2014_W_112114” and “Methodology Report_BAH_IDB_FINAL”, adapted for the Guyana dataset version. These resources explain the sampling design, weighting procedures, and data cleaning processes.

What is the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP)?

LAPOP is a research initiative housed at Vanderbilt University that designs and implements cross-national surveys on democratic attitudes, governance, and citizen experiences in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bahamas 2014 study is part of this broader effort.

What is LAPOP Vanderbilt University's research focus?

The Vanderbilt-based LAPOP Lab specializes in survey methodology, democratic governance, and comparative politics. It trains scholars and coordinates fieldwork across the region, ensuring methodological rigor and comparability.

What is the AmericasBarometer survey?

The AmericasBarometer is LAPOP’s flagship survey, conducted in over 20 countries. It measures democratic values, political participation, trust in institutions, and citizen experiences such as crime victimization. The Bahamas 2014 dataset is one wave of this survey.

What are the latest trends in Latin American democratic backsliding LAPOP reports?

Recent LAPOP reports highlight declining trust in elections and growing dissatisfaction with democracy in several countries. The Bahamas' 2014 data contribute to this regional picture by capturing citizens' perceptions of governance and security.

How does LAPOP collect its survey data?

Data are collected through face-to-face interviews using stratified, multi-stage sampling. In the 2014 study in the Bahamas, interviews were conducted across New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Family Islands, with quotas to ensure representativeness.

Why is the Latin American Public Opinion Project considered a gold standard?

LAPOP is widely regarded as a gold standard because of its rigorous sampling, standardized questionnaires, and transparent methodology. The Bahamas 2014 methodology report documents training, field supervision, and quality checks.

What are the LAPOP vs Latinobarómetro differences?

LAPOP’s AmericasBarometer uses nationally representative samples with detailed methodological transparency, while Latinobarómetro covers fewer countries and relies on different sampling frames. LAPOP also includes more extensive modules on crime and governance.

What is the difference between the AmericasBarometer and the World Values Survey methodology for Latin America?

The AmericasBarometer emphasizes democratic governance and citizen security, while the World Values Survey focuses on cultural values and social norms. LAPOP’s stratified sampling and weighting are tailored to Latin American political contexts.

What are the LAPOP findings on corruption and rule of law in Central America?

While the Bahamas dataset does not directly cover Central America, LAPOP regional findings show high levels of perceived corruption and weak rule of law in countries such as Honduras and Guatemala, contrasting with Caribbean cases.

What is the LAPOP public opinion data on migration and economic insecurity?

The Bahamas 2014 survey includes questions on economic satisfaction and migration intentions, showing how insecurity and economic pressures shape attitudes toward leaving the country.

How are LAPOP AmericasBarometer insights for policy advocacy used?

Policy advocates can use LAPOP data to design evidence-based interventions. For example, the 2014 Bahamas data on crime victimization can inform programs to strengthen community policing and trust in institutions.

What is the primary mission and history of the Latin American Public Opinion Project at Vanderbilt University?

Founded in the 1970s, LAPOP’s mission is to generate high-quality, comparable survey data to advance democratic governance and inform policy across Latin America and the Caribbean.

What are the key findings from the most recent AmericasBarometer 'Pulse of Democracy' report?

Recent reports highlight declining satisfaction with democracy, rising concerns about corruption, and persistent insecurity. Caribbean countries like the Bahamas show distinct patterns compared to mainland Latin America.

How does LAPOP maintain survey data quality and representativeness in volatile political environments?

LAPOP employs rigorous training, daily GPS-enabled device monitoring, and standardized protocols. In the 2014 study in the Bahamas, low-quality interviews were replaced to maintain representativeness.