NCJ Number
219688
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime in Delinquency Volume: 44 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2007 Pages: 267-294
Date Published
August 2007
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether within a longitudinal self-report study that involved adolescents, respondents with lower self-control were less likely to be retained in annual followups, as well as whether respondents with lower self-control were less likely to complete a self-report survey in its entirety.
Abstract
Generally, the study found that the strongest predictors of sample retention in followups were student sociodemographic characteristics, particularly race/ethnicity and family structure. This is consistent with prior research. On the other hand, the study found that measures of low self-control and impulsivity were associated with nonresponses on a significant number of survey items. This suggests that persons with low self-control may lack the concentration skills required to complete self-report instruments. Thus, they choose not to answer all survey items so as to bring a quicker end to the distasteful task of completing the questionnaire. This finding suggests that researchers should investigate systematic biases in item nonresponse when correcting for missing data in self-report research. The finding also supports the continued use of external or independent observers for measuring persons' levels of self-control. Study data came from the longitudinal evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program. The specific sample for the current analysis was composed of students from five of the six cities that participated in the evaluation of GREAT. The sample consisted of 2,081 students from 17 schools in 5 cities. In accordance with Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, this study used two of their six elements of self-control, i.e., impulsivity and risk-seeking. These traits were measured prior to the students' completion of the questionnaire. 5 tables, 16 notes, and 42 references