The construct validity of interview-based risk assessment in corrections.

Abstract

The convergent and discriminant validity of selected subtotals of the Level of Supervison Inventory ((LSI) were examined in relation to 26 paper-and-pencil self-report measures of similar areas of concern. In a sample of 192 young adult probationers, moderate but statistically significant convergent validity estimates were found which, with a few exceptions, exceeded relevant discriminant estimates. The exceptions involved correlations with paper-and-pencil assessments of antisocial personality. The LSI Total score was the single strongest predictor of recidivism but some paper-and-pencil measures demonstrated significant incremental validity. The quantification of social history information according to the risk principle of case classification is promising in community corrections and the principle may apply more generally.