NCJ Number
209967
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 175-193
Date Published
June 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study compared two different methods for collecting self-reports of violent incidents.
Abstract
Criminological research investigating violence has long been plagued by the problem of measuring the construct under examination with accuracy and depth. Each methodology has its own limitations. The current study compared data on violent incidents collected from individuals using the life events calendar (LEC) approach versus a weekly interview approach. Participants had previously been engaged in research about violent incidents that involved a weekly interview schedule. Data using the LEC approach were gathered from these same 75 individuals about violent incidents occurring within a 1- to 3-year prior time period. Data obtained from the LEC approach were compared to data obtained from the weekly interview approach for an overlapping time period. Results of statistical analyses indicated a significant amount of under-reporting on violent events using the LEC approach compared to the weekly interview approach. Greater agreement was noted for serious violence in comparison to less serious violent events. Future research should utilize a life-event methodology to focus on what makes certain types of violent events more memorable than others. Tables, references