Using network sampling in crime victimization surveys

Since crime victimizations are statistically rare events, surveys to estimate rates of victimization are difficult and expensive. In this paper, we examine the advantages of network sampling over traditional methods for conducting crime victimization surveys. Network sampling links population households in specified ways, for reporting purposes, in order to increase the probabilities of locating households with particular characteristics. We conducted a reverse record check field experiment to test whether a telephone survey using network sampling is feasible to collect crime victimization data. Three types of crimes-burglary, robbery, and assault-were tested along with two types of networks-relatives and co-workers/close friends. This paper examines the extent to which victims report their victimization experiences in a general crime and victimization interview and the extent to which a randomly selected relative or close friend will report the same victimization incident in an identical interview. A number of multiplicity counting rules are compared in terms of reporting errors and a mean square error analysis.     

Psychologists as consultants for changes of venue the use of public opinion surveys

This study reports the use of public opinion surveys to support motions to change venue. Step-bystep procedures of venue surveys are outlined, and results of their use in five capital murder trials are presented. Employing a quasi-experimental approach to the surveys allows inferences, about the likelihood of obtaining between-county differences of certain magnitudes. In addition, the use of a survey instrument with standardized subparts permits a second, novel type of contrast: comparisons previous cases. The responsiveness of this approach to the typical criticisms of venue surveys is discussed.     

THE BOOKSHELF

The book review in this article
THE KIDS' BOOK OF DIVORCE , Eric Rofes, Editor
THE DYNAMICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT , Alexander Thomas, MD and Stella Chess, MD
CRISIS COUNSELING by Eugene Kennedy
MODERN PERSPECITVES IN THE PSYCHIATRY OF MIDDLE AGE , John G. Howells
"THE CRISIS INTERVENER'S HANDBOOK" , James L. Greenstone, Ed. D. and Sharon C. Leviton, B. A.