Abstract

This paper presents an assessment of the existing literature on validity and methodology relevant to crime prevention studies. Reports eligible for inclusion in the review focused on assessing the methodological quality of crime prevention evaluations. A narrative synthesis approach was used to review the included reports to examine how validity considerations are assessed and addressed in criminological impact evaluations. The reports reviewed included substantive discussions of the five types of validity, as well as discussions of interrelated issues of evaluation design, methodological quality scales, and evidence-based registries. We recommend that all crime prevention evaluations address the methodological issues discussed in this article. In addition, policymakers should consume research with a critical eye toward potential validity issues. Where valid evaluations show interventions to be promising, practitioners should make efforts to ensure fidelity in program implementation. Registries should support policymakers and practitioners in identifying and implementing evidence-based policy and programming through providing guidance on choosing interventions aligned to their priorities and settings, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various strategies and programs and the conditions under which they are successful, and implementing programs and replicating evaluations with fidelity.

摘要

本文介绍了对与预防犯罪研究相关的有效性和方法论的现有文献的评估。符合纳入审查条件的报告侧重于评估预防犯罪评估的方法质量。使用叙述性综合方法审查所包含的报告，以检查在犯罪学影响评估中如何评估和解决有效性考虑因素。审查的报告包括对五种有效性的实质性讨论，以及对评估设计、方法质量量表和循证登记等相互关联问题的讨论。我们建议所有预防犯罪评估都解决本文讨论的方法问题。此外，政策制定者应该以批判性的眼光看待潜在的有效性问题。如果有效的评估表明干预措施是有希望的，从业者应努力确保项目实施的忠实度。注册管理机构应支持政策制定者和从业人员确定和实施循证政策和规划，方法是为选择与其优先事项和环境相一致的干预措施提供指导，了解各种战略和计划的优势和劣势以及它们成功的条件，并实施程序和忠实地复制评估。