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The use of life-histories in testing theories of criminal behavior: Toward reviving a method

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Abstract

This paper traces the history of the life-history method from its heyday in the 1930's through the works following that period. General methodological discussions ensue which draw out the strengths of the life-history method. Validity is high since the life-history is second-order data to participant observation, and reliability can be improved for all methods by checking other sources. Conclusions from a life-history are generalizable when the subject is archetypal. The question of standards for interpretation is posed. Finally the question of theory testing is addressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Florida, USA

    Charles E. Frazier

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  1. Charles E. Frazier
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Additional information

This is a revised version of a paper by the same title read at the annual meetings of the American Society of Criminology, November 4–7, 1976, Tucson, Arizona.

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Frazier, C.E. The use of life-histories in testing theories of criminal behavior: Toward reviving a method. Qual Sociol 1, 122–142 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02429890

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