Publication Type: Session Paper
Abstract: It is safe to assume that most people get most of their information about topical events from TV news and that they believe the TV presents a reliable and adequate picture of reality. In recent years, however, there has been a growing trend of fabricated news, implicitly based on the assumption that reported reality would occur as it does even without the expectation of being reported and that TV news usually presents an undistorted picture of events. These assumptions are questionable because many such (mostly scandalous) events would never occur without the expectation of being reported. Thus instead of beginning with traditional content analysis based on qualitative case studies and/or quantitative data, future research should set off with examining the reality being covered, thereby determining how and why TV news fails to present a reliable and adequate picture of reality?

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The research examined the effectiveness of the typologies of lust murder (erotophonophilia) of four contemporary researchers (Godwin, 2001; Holmes and Holmes, 2003; Keppel and Walter, 1999; and Kocsis, Cooksey and Irwin, 2002b). The examined the typologies to distinguish amongst three identified lust murderers (Theodore Bundy, Jeffery Dahmer and Dennis Rader) through the means of multiple case studies analysis of the offenders’ psychosocial histories and offense patterns. The research showed that the typologies, when used independently were not as reliable as a composite typology technique. A composite typology used the combined associations of the characterizations assembled by Godwin, 2001; Holmes and Holmes, 2003; Keppel and Walter, 1999; and Kocsis, Cooksey and Irwin, 2002b providing more rigorous approach in identifying a suspect pool based on crime scene analysis of the offense activities.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Aviva Twersky Glasner, Ph.D.
Presentation proposal for the November 2007
ASC meeting

The central research question of this study is to understand the relationship between delayed and/or inadequate language acquisition (either English or American Sign Language [ASL]) and the subsequent development of criminal behavior among deaf and hard-of-hearing offenders. The key hypothesis is this: A lag in language development, due to un-remediated early or congenital deafness, results in a deficiency in the normal childhood socialization process. This deficit plays a determining role in the development of criminal behavior of Deaf children and adults. As such, this study looks at a unique “at risk” population, one that has not previously been studied. The methodology consists of detailed personal interviews with subjects (identified by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) who are either presently incarcerated or on probation or parole. These interviews will be supplemented by a review of archival records: Relevant case records; psychological reports, educational histories and criminal offense histories.

The presentation will consist of the data being organized by theme; i.e. educational histories, social preferences, language acquisition, offense type, recidivism, co-morbidity with other disabling conditions, substance abuse and family backgrounds.

This research is being funded by the Center for the Advancement of Research and Teaching (CART) at Bridgewater State College, in Bridgewater Massachusetts and is logistically supported by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Criminal career research finds that the most consistent predictors of continued offending are early onset and frequent, serious offending as a juvenile. Considerable attention has been directed to these chronic offenders as they contribute to over half of the offenses committed by juveniles. However, only one study demarcates by type of offense for chronic juveniles and finds that prior record is predictive of serious nonviolent offenses and personality characteristics for violent offenses. In Texas, approximately 3% of juveniles processed by the juvenile justice system are committed. Arguably, they constitute the most violent and chronic juvenile offenders. Using data from the Texas Youth Commission, this research extends prior work by examining subgroups of chronic offenders. The data consist of all juveniles released in 2000 with arrest data follow-up for five years extending into adulthood. Analyses employ logistic and Cox regression to investigate the factors affecting recidivism for serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders using static and dynamic factors from pre-, during, and post-commitment time periods. Theoretical refinements and the implications for treatment and risk assessment instruments are addressed.

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: Criminologists and criminal justice scholars have utilized numerous variables and methodologies to explore issues related to juvenile risk behaviors and delinquency, and have made important contributions to the literature in this area. This research is a meta-analysis of extant studies that have examined the relationship between juveniles’ participation in youth church ministries and the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including juvenile delinquency. The research highlights consistencies among studies including the specification and operationalization of variables, methodologies, and key findings, and identifies conflicts and neglected issues that must be addressed to strengthen the body of knowledge in this multidisciplinary area. The analysis concludes with suggestions for future research.