Abstract
This project took advantage of an opportunity to test the comparability of two different methods for collecting self-reports of violent incidents. Using a life events calendar (LEC) approach, we collected data from individuals about violent incidents that occurred within a 1–3-year prior time period. These individuals had been research participants in a previous study that collected information about violent incidents using prospective, weekly interviews. Results using the LEC method were compared with the weekly self-reports of violence for an overlapping recall period. This allowed us to see how well the recall of violent incidents at a later date mapped onto reports obtained within seven days of any incidents. Overall results show a significant amount of under-reporting using the life-event calendar methodology compared to the weekly interview approach, but some higher concordance of reporting was found for serious rather than minor violence.
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Roberts, J., Mulvey, E.P., Horney, J. et al. A Test of Two Methods of Recall for Violent Events. J Quant Criminol 21, 175–193 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-005-2491-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-005-2491-6