ABSTRACT
In Chinese, the word for ‘corruption’ (fubai) has its etymological origins in biology – namely, the decay and decomposition of organic matter. In the definition of the word has grown to encompass the fields of politics and sociology, wherein it refers to darkness and disorder in systems, organisations, institutions or policies. Despite the fact that familiarity due to repeated exposure can cause the general public to become less sensitive to any issue, corruption has drawn the attention of the Chinese public for many years. One traditional research methodology used in criminology is statistics. In the nineteenth century, Belgian statistician Adolf Quetelet applied his statistical knowledge to criminology. Using data on Belgium and France, Quetelet developed his theory of the relative stability of crime. Levels of corruption can also be assessed by understanding public sentiment and perception of the issue through the use of analytical tools like questionnaires.
