NCJ Number
90268
Journal
Sociological Spectrum Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1983) Pages: 143-157
Date Published
1983
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper applied the statistical procedure of ridge regression to a multivariate model of criminal activity, using the explanatory variables of an economic, apprehension, and seasonal nature.
Abstract
The Time Shared Reactive On Line Laboratory (TROLL) computer package was used in estimating all regression coefficients and other pertinent statistics. The economic variables, which included per capita personal income, hours worked, and plant closing dummy variable, were found to be statistically related to criminal activity. In addition, police expenditures as well as the three seasonal dummy variables were statistically associated with the dependent variable. The paper also compares the results obtained from the ordinary least squares procedure and the ridge regression approach. Formulas, tables, figures, and 26 references are included. (Author abstract modified)