Mark M. Lanier

Comparison of AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among incarcerated adolescents and a public school sample in San Francisco.

Data collected from incarcerated youth (n = 113) and a public school sample (n = 802) demonstrate that both adolescent groups have a high level of AIDS knowledge. Incarcerated youth are less aware of HIV risk-reduction behaviors and report markedly higher rates of HIV risk behaviors. Incarcerated youth are at substantially increased risk of HIV infection relative to their school-based counterparts and should be a primary target of HIV prevention programs.

Academic Integrity and Distance Learning

The latest trend in academia has been the rapid and large growth of online or distance learning courses. There are numerous benefits both for students as well as for the institutions. Despite the increasing reliance on this pedagogy, little research attention has focused on the potential for academic dishonesty. This study surveyed 1,262 students at a large, state‐funded university and examined the prevalence of cheating in traditional lecture courses and online courses. The findings indicate that cheating was much more prevalent in online classes compared to traditional lecture courses. Moreover, results showed significant differences based on a number of demographic variables. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy suggestions and research recommendations. *The author is grateful to Eugene Paoline for his reading and reflective comments, to Jessica Stern for assistance and data entry, and for the constructive comments of two peer reviewers.

Correlates of Condom Use among Incarcerated Adolescents in a Rural State

An anonymous self-report survey was completed by 335 sexually active, incarcerated adolescents in a southern rural state. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates of condom use during sexual intercourse. Four variables were identified as associated with frequent condom use: nonuse of marijuana, nonuse of beer, asking sexual partners about their sexual history, and feeling worried about friends contracting AIDS. This four-variable model was highly significant, correctly classifying 70% of the adolescents in their condom-use categories. The intersecting nature of substance use and the HIV epidemic is discussed, as well as the importance of teaching substance refusal skills and sexual communication and negotiation skills to incarcerated adolescents.

Aids Awareness and the Impact of AIDS Education in Juvenile Corrections

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) poses significant problems for offenders, correctional administrators, and staff. The present study examined AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and precautionary measures reported by incarcerated juvenile offenders. It found that although offenders were relatively well-informed, there were misconceptions about the disease and its significance. Education increased levels of understanding and influenced attitudes toward AIDS. Findings indicate that instruction should emphasize the role of specific precautions and the need to utilize those precautions invariably. Guidance and the reinforcement of educational efforts should also be provided in community supervision settings.

The prism of crime: Arguments for an integrated definition of crime

The recent criminological trend toward theoretical integration lacks an integrated definition of crime. Effective integration requires a comprehensive incorporation of the multiple definitions of crime, including moral consensus, rule-relativism, political conflict, power, and social harm, because each contributes important but restricted insights. Rather than alternatives, these definitions are mutually constitutive. Developments in critical theory indicate a new, integrated way forward, which we have incorporated into a prism of crime. This framework consolidates aspects of the continuous dimensions of harm, seriousness, extensiveness, social agreement, social response, context, and visibility. It reframes criminologys subject matter to reflect more clearly the totality of criminal harm, especially that generated by relations of the powerful of their victimization of the powerless.

Measuring the Contextual Effects and Mitigating Factors of Labeling Theory

Despite the longevity of labeling theory, there remains a need for further empirical validation. We examine three ways that official intervention may lead to secondary (that which occurs following the fixation of a label) deviance: self-concept, pro-social expectations, and association with deviant peers. We examine a sample of labeled and non-labeled individuals, utilizing data from the Children at Risk study. Based on our analytical view of a three-year panel of 677 randomly selected juveniles, ordinary least squares regression shows that official intervention with the criminal justice system leads to an increased delinquent self-identity, decreased pro-social expectations, and an increased association with delinquent peers, which then lead to an increased likelihood of engaging in subsequent delinquency. While validating the theory, we suggest a revised model of labeling that better depicts the complicated association between formal labeling and subsequent delinquent behavior. We conclude with policy suggestions based on less formal interventions for offenders.

Expressed Needs and Behavioral Risk Factors of HIV-Positive Inmates

Considerable research has found inmates to be at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, research has shown additional HIV/AIDS threats faced by females in the general population and especially by those incarcerated. Behavioral interventions and educational programs have been developed based on these studies. However, few empirical studies have examined the self-expressed needs of HIV-positive inmates or the degree to which inmates’ needs are gender specific. This pilot study compares the needs of HIV-positive male and female jail detainees. Results illustrate surprisingly few differences between men and women and their HIV-related needs. The primary need identified for both males and females was postrelease housing. Somewhat unexpectedly, HIV treatment and care ranked low on the list of needs. The implications of these finds are discussed.

Epidemiological criminology: drug use among African American gang members.

Epidemiological methods and public health theories can be tied to theories of crime and delinquency and used to create evidence-based policy. Interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to existing, and emerging, public health and criminal justice problems hold great promise. Differential association theory postulates that close association with delinquent peers leads to an increase in deviant activities such as illicit drug use. Social cognitive theory postulates that health behavior change is driven by the interaction of (a) cognitive states that support a health outcome, (b) the social and contextual environment, (c) and individual action. Combined, these theories can be applied to drug eradication programs as well as other health and crime issues. Focus groups and interviews were performed to identify rates of illicit substance use among incarcerated African American adolescent male gang members and nongang members. The policy recommendations illustrate the convergence of criminological and epidemiological theory under the new paradigm of epidemiological criminology or ‘‘EpiCrim.’’

Changes in incarcerated adolescents' human immunodeficiency virus knowledge and selected behaviors from 1988 to 1996.

Data were collected from juveniles in Alabama and Florida correctional facilities. The samples were closely demographically matched. Analysis indicated significant increases in knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus between 1988 and 1996 and increased sexual risk behaviors. Knowledge levels were lower for ethnic minority groups and boys, suggesting ethnic- and gender-specific pedagogical aids are needed.

A pedagogical aid for linking methodological and statistical courses

A critical component in teaching research methods and statistics is linking the data collection with data analysis in such a way that students are engaged and encouraged. Using a strategy congruent with Greeks “active learning” (1995) and Chernak and Weisss “activity-based learning” (1999), this paper outlines a heuristic mechanism that involves students with data collection, analysis, and utilization of 5 different software programs. To illustrate the process, a case study of my Spring 1999 graduate course in quantitative methods and computer utilization is presented.