Branch 2: Measuring constructs that are relevant to violence and harmful sexual behaviour, and improving methods of interpretation
2.1 Improve Scoring & Interpretation of Tools
Normative data consists of information from a reference population that can be used as a baseline distribution for a score or measurement. This information serves as a standard score that can be used to make comparisons to other groups. Most risk assessment measures are created using heterogeneous populations of incarcerated individuals, and their corresponding norms for different risk levels may not be representative of risk scores for various sub-groups (e.g., race, sexual orientation, etc.). In this program of research, our lab is interested in developing normative data that reflects accurate risk statistics for those in sub-group populations.
Current Projects
COBRA
Project Lead: Andrew Brankley
Collaborators: Karl Hanson
This study examined….
Future Projects (Graduate Student)
Race x Risk Assessment
The purpose of this research would be to build our understanding of variability in the functioning of risk assessment tools across different racialized groups. The focus would include, but not be limited to systemic social oppression, racial inequality, and racisism.
Gender Identity x Risk Assessment
The purpose of this research would be to build our understanding of variability in the functioning of risk assessment tools across different marginalized sexual groups. The focus would include, but not be limited to Non-binary, gender non-conforming individuals.
2.2 Combination Rules
There are several different types of risk assessment tools that are routinely used in correctional systems to predict criminal recidivism. While research has shown that most of these tools have similar predictive accuracy, they sometimes produce different conclusions that require the evaluators to try and reconcile the findings. By combining the results of each tool, evaluators can gain a more accurate understanding of clients’ criminogenic needs and their risk to re-offend. However, due to the mechanical differences between scales, certain rules must be created to provide a more accurate interpretation of information. In this program of research, our lab is interested in developing combination rules for various violent risk assessment tools.
Future Projects (Graduate Student)
Static-99R and …
This study will examine mechanical rules of combining Static-99R with other commonly used risk assessment tools.
2.3 Case Formulation
Case formulation refers to the process of collecting and synthesizing pieces of information to develop a clear understanding of the etiologies of clients’ forensic and mental health issues. The information gained from this process can be used to inform treatment design and other decision-making related to client management. Case formulation is a fundamental skill in forensic mental health practice; however, there is no universal agreement regarding how this process is conducted or how to evaluate it. In this program of research, our lab seeks to create standardized methods that can be used to make decisions about case formulations or to evaluate the quality of information gathered.
Current Projects
Valhalla
Project Lead: Natasha Usenko
Collaborators: None
The purpose of this project is to support the development of the Mechanical Decision-making Matrix 2024 (MDM-24). The MDM-24 provides an empirically-informed method to incorporate results from multiple risk assessment tools into case formulation and management. It is as a framework that intends to guide risk evaluators and provide a way for them to use risk assessment tools more effectively when formulating their cases. The MDM-24 consists of 4 steps: 1) Categorizing information into relevant treatment-based and management-based psychological domains; 2) Provide theory-based guidance to evaluators, enabling them to construct testable hypotheses about the functional relationships between the aforementioned; 3) Provide evidence-based treatment options that are relevant to their case; and 4) Provide risk-based scenarios based on the type of crime that evaluators can consider while developing treatment plans for clients.
2.3 Standardized Risk Levels for Violence
Case formulation refers to the process of collecting and synthesizing pieces of information to develop a clear understanding of the etiologies of clients’ forensic and mental health issues. The information gained from this process can be used to inform treatment design and other decision-making related to client management. Case formulation is a fundamental skill in forensic mental health practice; however, there is no universal agreement regarding how this process is conducted or how to evaluate it. In this program of research, our lab seeks to create standardized methods that can be used to make decisions about case formulations or to evaluate the quality of information gathered.
Valhalla
Project Lead: Natasha Usenko
Collaborators: None
The purpose of this project is to support the development of the Mechanical Decision-making Matrix 2024 (MDM-24). The MDM-24 provides an empirically-informed method to incorporate results from multiple risk assessment tools into case formulation and management. It is as a framework that intends to guide risk evaluators and provide a way for them to use risk assessment tools more effectively when formulating their cases. The MDM-24 consists of 4 steps: 1) Categorizing information into relevant treatment-based and management-based psychological domains; 2) Provide theory-based guidance to evaluators, enabling them to construct testable hypotheses about the functional relationships between the aforementioned; 3) Provide evidence-based treatment options that are relevant to their case; and 4) Provide risk-based scenarios based on the type of crime that evaluators can consider while developing treatment plans for clients.
2.4 Phallometric Measurement
Penile Plethysmograph (PPG) is an objective measure of sexual arousal in men by monitoring changes in penile blood flow or circumference. An electromechanical strain gauge is placed over the shaft of the penis to record the participants’ penile responses to sexual and non-sexual stimuli displayed on a screen. PPG is often considered the gold standard for measuring sexual interest. Despite this reputation, the acceptance of its predictive validity remains mixed as there are several issues involved with using it. No standardized assessment methods have been universally accepted, leading to a large variation in the type of device, assessment stimuli or protocol used laboratories. In this program of research, our lab is interested in enhancing the reliability and validity of the PPG by testing new methods designed to improve the process.
Related Projects
MACSA
Project Lead: Melissa O’Donaghy
Collaborators:
This project
Other Topics of Interest
Indirect Measures of Sexual Arousal
Physiological Measures of Sexual Arousal
Specialized Assessment of Sexual Risk
Standardizing Risk Language
Standardized Stimuli
Violence Norms