Methodological Issues and New Directions for Research on Violence in Relationships (From Family Violence: Research and Public Policy Issues, P 13-25, 1990, Douglas J Besharov, ed. -- See NCJ-125593)

• NCJ Number: 125595
• Author(s): D Follingstad
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: University Press of America
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of research on domestic violence focuses on the general problems characteristic of research on violence in relationships, ways to improve interviews and questionnaires used to study this issue, and ways to improve the use of research in policymaking.

Abstract

Research difficulties include sampling problems, the lack of information on abusers, the distortions resulting from the use of self-reports, and the lack of comparison groups. Other problems include the frequent absence of links between the research and broader theories in psychology and the lack of analysis of the relative importance of variables associated with domestic violence. Questionnaires and interviews are often used in this research. They could be improved through the designation of original hypotheses, the framing of precise questions, and the development of meaningful response options. Finally, research that focuses on special population groups with respect to treatment outcomes, results of prevention programs, and causal factors would best serve public policy until larger questions regarding domestic violence are answered.