NCJ Number
140501
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn 1992) Pages: 258- 267
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
When researchers accidentally collected the same self- report data from 11 offenders within a period of 4 months, they used them to test the reliability of inmate self-report questionnaires. The data used in this study referred to sociodemographic data, criminal history, substance abuse history, social bonds, and opportunities.
Abstract
Previous research had reported high reliability on questions of illegal behavior with delinquents; in this study, the 11 subjects gave virtually identical responses to questions on their past illegal involvements. Reliable answers were also obtained on race, number of children, and past job history. However, the findings suggest that research is needed to identify ways to obtain reliable information about inmate substance abuse, as those items showed insignificant correlations between the two sets of responses. Data concerning the subjects' expectations upon release were less reliable. While responses to items relating to support expected upon release and chances to achieve goals in life were reliable, items concerning future directions, goals in life, and jobs after release were extremely inconsistent across time. Questions regarding affectional components of the inmates' lives were generally highly inconsistent from one time to the next. 2 tables and 14 references