Understanding youth violence requires first careful measurement of the prevalence and incidence of those behaviors that can be called violent. Despite the seemingly obvious need for such careful assessment, an investigation demonstrated that most instruments that purport to or are interpreted as measuring violence have serious limitations as measures of violent interpersonal behavior.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to
• list and discuss the merits of the different instruments used to measure and report youth violence
During this session, the presenters will provide participants with
• definitions of violence and aggression • a summary of instruments available for estimating violence. • an overview of the national surveys available for estimating violence • figures summarizing trends in different forms of violence as estimated by these national surveys
In this session, the Hamilton Fish Institute will present its study of instruments that have been used to study youth violence. A literature search identified the instruments used in studies of youth violence and a subsequent search was launched to locate the psychometric properties of these instruments and sub-scales. Finally, an assessment was made of the face-validity of the multiple instruments as measures of violent interpersonal behavior. Special emphasis will be given to those instruments used to develop National estimates of youth violence.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to • list and discuss the merits of the different instruments used to measure and report youth violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Hamilton Fish Institute at The George Washington University
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Director of Institute