NCJ Number
112762
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 61-70
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article points out that the analysis of Sellin-Wolfgang crime seriousness scores requires some standardization with regard to coding limits and especially in the method of handling zero scores.
Abstract
The Sellin-Wolfgang index, which measures crime seriousness, has been used to establish a national U.S. benchmark. Some of the problems in the analysis of data collected from using Sellin-Wolfgang index are described, and appropriate solutions suggested. Suitable confidence intervals are derived for the geometric mean of the Sellin-Wolfgang scores, and 5 measures of location for seriousness scores are compared for 13 described offenses. It is recommended that a consensus approach is needed to ensure replicability and valid comparisons of survey results involving the Sellin-Wolfgang index. Tabular data and 6 references. (Author abstract modified)