Psychometric Prediction of Recividism: Utility of the Risk Needs Inventory

Abstract

The efficacy of psychometric measures of recidivism is an important issue. Accordingly, the present study examines: (1) the predictive (criterion-related) validity of the Risk Needs Inventory (RNI); (2) whether RNI scores alone are better predictors than are scores moderated by Community Corrections Officers (professional override principle); and (3) whether inclusion of age and marital status as independent variables improves predictive validity. It was found that RNI total and risk category scores for both the unadjusted and override conditions significantly predicted both number and severity of reoffences for in-program and total recidivism measures. Age predicted number and severity of r..