NCJ Number
235193
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 151-171
Date Published
June 2011
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This research examines data collection using the life event calendar method and criminal behavior.
Abstract
Data collection using the life event calendar method is growing, but reliability is not well established. The authors examine test-retest reliability of monthly self-reports of criminal behavior collected using a life event calendar from a random sample of minimum and medium security prisoners. Tabular analysis indicates substantial agreement between self-reports of drug dealing, property, and violent crime during a baseline interview (test) and a follow-up (retest) approximately 3 weeks later. Hierarchical analysis reveals that criminal activity reported during the initial test is strongly associated with responses given in the retest, and that the relationship varies only by the lag in days between the initial interview and the retest. Analysis of validity reveals that self-reported incarceration history is strongly predictive of official incarceration history although the authors were unable to address whether subjects could correctly identify the months they were incarcerated. African-Americans and older subjects provide more valid responses but in practical terms the differences in validity are not large. (Published Abstract)