Final answer:
b) Crime statistics is the most popular source of data for estimating delinquency, providing detailed and accessible information for analyzing criminal patterns and understanding the factors affecting delinquency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most popular source of data for estimating delinquency is b) Crime statistics. Crime statistics, such as those from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, provide comprehensive and accessible data that can be analyzed to understand delinquency patterns. For instance, historical data from 1960 suggested a correlation between education levels and crime rates.
It is important to note that using available data for research can be complex, as public records are not always readily accessible. Furthermore, some information might be difficult to quantify, such as the instances of undetected crime or the number of dropouts who later complete their education.
Overall, crime statistics are a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers to gauge and address issues of delinquency within communities.