Assessing the Accuracy of Life Event Calendar Data in an Offender Sample. (16th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Gerwen, Nikki; Blokland, Arjan; Rijken, Arieke J.
• Is Part Of: Justice quarterly. Volume 36:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 532
• Page End: 566
• Publication Date: 2019-04-16
• Subjects: Life Event Calendar -- data accuracy -- validity -- self-reported data -- offender sample; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 340.11405
• DOI: 10.1080/07418825.2018.1458143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-8825

Abstract

Abstract : Criminologists are increasingly interested in the effects of life-course dynamics on criminological development. However, detailed longitudinal data are difficult to obtain and possibly confounded due to recall errors. Life Event Calendars (LECs) are designed to reduce recall errors and are increasingly used as a method for obtaining valid retrospective data in criminological studies. Yet few studies exist that assess the accuracy of LEC data in offender samples. This study aims to fill this void. We compare data regarding the prevalence and timing of marriage, divorce, and childbirth obtained through an LEC to official registry data in a sample of convicted offenders. We examine whether the accuracy of the data vary by event or respondent specific characteristics. We conclude that the LEC data are quite accurate regarding the prevalence of marriage, divorce, and childbirth. The data are less accurate regarding the timing of these life events.