Methodological Advances in Crime Prevention Research

Abstract

This chapter surveys the methods that have been used in early prevention studies, considers some strengths and weaknesses, and identifies areas where further innovation might be most fruitful in generating insight around crime prevention efforts. The chapter is divided into two main sections. The first section comprises a brief review of methods that have been most prominent in early prevention studies to date. This discussion includes the following: (a) variants of experimental and quasi-experimental designs, (b) the use of longitudinal data collection for long-term follow-up in conjunction with early intervention, (c) pairing observational data with emerging matching methods to estimate treatment effects, (d) systematic reviews and meta-analysis of similar bodies of research evidence to assess effectiveness (and moderators), and (e) the use of cost-benefit analysis in conjunction with high-quality evaluation studies. In that process, we identify examples of particularly innovative studies or programs of research that have affected the knowledge base in prevention as a means of continually linking the methodological approach with the associated substantive conclusions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)