NCJ Number
149191
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: May 1994 Pages: 3-5
Date Published
May 1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Although correctional researchers often want to explain differences they observe among individuals in their problem- solving abilities, intelligence cannot be measured directly; consequently, the study of recidivism, sentencing, and other correctional issues is sometimes difficult.
Abstract
Theories of criminal behavior require researchers to measure some things that are not easily measured, and intelligence is such a construct. Certain skills are required, for example, to perform well on an intelligence test and others are not. Therefore, intelligence can be defined as what intelligence tests measure. Due to difficulties associated with measuring intelligence, surveys and opinion polls must contain questions that are understandable to the people answering them. Survey data are limited by the questions asked, and conclusions must be limited to the context of survey questions. Correctional researchers must realize they cannot conduct definitive studies and answer all relevant questions. Rather, they can conduct studies that address a limited number of questions covering a specific timeframe. 4 footnotes