NCJ Number
128773
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 8-29
Date Published
1991
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Research on physical child abuse is characterized by inconsistent and contradictory research findings that cannot be reconciled because of the many differences in samples, methods, and definitions of independent and dependent variables.
Abstract
Research on physical child abuse has been plagued by such interrelated methodological problems as a lack of a priori predictions, a narrow research focus on physical injuries, an insensitivity to important child development parameters, poorly defined independent and dependent variables, confounded variables, inadequate or biased sampling, lack of adequate demographic descriptions, poorly matched or no comparison groups, the use of inappropriate measures of unknown or inadequate reliability and validity, the use of nonblind experimenters and coders, inappropriate data analyses, and illegitimate inferences and interpretations. Although there has been a continuing trend toward improvement in all these areas, most of the problems persist. There is a need to study variables that will elucidate development processes associated with abuse. Field studies could be complemented by focused experimental or analogue studies designed to address more focused questions. The importance of understanding child and parent behavior in relation to contextual factors can be clarified, and additional control procedures will facilitate understanding physical abuse in relation to social class and disadvantage. 50 references