How do we know what works in reducing crime? There are numerous studies and reviews of evidence on the effectiveness of crime reduction methods. Some suggest that a crime reduction method works. However on examination of some studies, it is seen that the statistical claims and methods are unfounded. Essentially the problem stems from the fact that standard methods of statistics rely on assumptions, such as that of independent random sampling. Things go horribly wrong if the assumptions are not met. Perhaps we are seeing the tip of an iceberg of erroneous statistics. The talk will discuss the clear problems in a simple way. The talk will address general matters to be considered in the design of evaluations and systematic reviews, so that any conclusions made are ‘properly scientific’ and therefore sound.
17
Oct 08