methodology

• Methodology

  • A series of case studies
  • Control group, but NOT an experiment
  • 88 children in a child guidance clinic
  • All children have emotional problems
  • An association between two groups (thieves + control group) + experiences of separation
• Methodology 2


  Focus of the study:

  • 44 children described as 'thieves' as stealing was one of their 'symptoms'
  • Only a few were charged in court as the rest were too young
  • 31 boys + 13 girls between 5-17 years old
  • 50% = IQ range of 85-114
• Methodology 3


  Control group:

  • A further 44 children
  • Group were similar in age, sex + IQ to the thieves
  • Emotionally disturbed but didn't steal
• Methodology 4


  Mothers

  • Involved in the study
  • They were interviewed in order to assess the case histories of children
• Methodology 5


  44 Juvenile thieves - grouped by seriousness of stealing

  Grading Description No. of thieves

  1 1 theft 4

  2 few 8

  3 irregular, mild 10

  4 long time + chronic 22

  /serious