Citation

Jensen GF. Am. J. Sociol. 1976; 82(2): 379-387.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/226316

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper outlines the consequences of an inadequate and cursory use of tabular analysis in Wolfgang, Figlio, and Sellin's Delinquency in a Birth Cohort. Through a reconstruction and reanalysis of some of the data presented I found that the verbal model proposed in that work concerning the interrelationships and relative importance of several variables was in error. An alternative model fits the data much better and supports conclusions in marked contrast to those stated. Contrary to the model suggested in Delinquency in a Birth Cohort, the relation between achievement level and delinquency status is not a spurious one due to a common association with race. Moreover, achievement appears to be at least as strongly related to delinquency status as are race and social class.