@article{ref1,
title="Taxometrics and criminal justice: assessing the latent structure of crime-related constructs",
journal="Journal of criminal justice",
year="2012",
author="Walters, Glenn D.",
volume="40",
number="1",
pages="10-20",
abstract="PURPOSE: The taxometric method is introduced as a way of investigating the latent structure of key criminal justice constructs. <br><br>METHODS: Besides describing the theory, rationale, and procedures behind taxometrics, the taxometric method is applied to Wolfgang, Figlio, and Sellin's (1972) delinquency cohort data to illustrate how the procedure works. <br><br>RESULTS: After defining latent structure, its relevance to criminal justice is explored and the four core principles of taxometric analysis are described: coherent cut kinetics, consistency testing, comparison curve analysis, and evidence-based procedures. Sample and indicator preconditions for taxometric analysis are discussed and empirically-verified procedures for taxometric analysis are outlined: mean above minus below a cut (MAMBAC: Meehl & Yonce, 1996), maximum covariance (MAXCOV: Meehl & Yonce, 1994), maximum eigenvalue (MAXEIG: Waller & Meehl, 1998), maximum slope (MAXSLOPE: Grove & Meehl, 1993), and latent mode factor analysis (L-Mode: Waller & Meehl, 1998). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The taxometric method provides an avenue by which the latent structure of important criminal justice constructs can be explored and criminal justice research can be advanced. <br><br>KEYWORDS: Juvenile justice; Juvenile delinquency<p />",
language="en",
issn="0047-2352",
doi="10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.11.003",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.11.003"
}