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Data Collection Procedures

The Pathways study relies primarily on self-report information from study participants. Study participants completed a

Data were collected with computer-assisted interviews that took place in the participants' homes, in libraries (or other public places), or in facilities. All measures and associated skip patterns were programmed onto laptop computers. Trained interviewers read each item aloud, and to maximize privacy, respondents could choose to enter their responses on a key pad. Honest reporting was encouraged, and confidentiality was assured by confidentiality protections provided by statute to the Department of Justice.

This self-report information is supplemented and validated through

Detailed information regarding the enrollment process, study procedures, and sample characteristics (for participants and excluded cases) can be found in:

Schubert, C.A., Mulvey, E.P., Steinberg, L., Cauffman, E., Losoya, S.H., Hecker, T., Chassin, L., Knight, G.P. (2004). Operational Lessons from the Pathways to Desistance Study. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 2(3), 237-255.