PROBLEMS IN MODELING AND MEASURING RECIDIVISM

• NCJ Number: 6152
• Journal: Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (JULY 1971) Pages: 124-132
• Author(s): A BLUMSTEIN; R C LARSON
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: National Council on Crime and Delinquency
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

MISCONCEPTIONS IN THE USE AND MEASUREMENT OF RECIDIVISM ARE DISCUSSED.

Abstract

WITH THE USE OF PROBABILITY, TWO MEASUREMENT ERRORS ARE IDENTIFIED. THE FIRST ARISES FROM ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS OF RECIDIVISM BASED ON THE STAGE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS AT WHICH RECIDIVISM IS MEASURED. THE SECOND ARISES FROM ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF SAMPLING CRIMINAL CAREERS. THE ANALYSIS HELPS TO CLARIFY POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIONS OF RECIDIVISM DATA, INCLUDING THOSE REPORTED BY THE FBI UNDER CAREERS IN CRIME. AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED