Publication Date
7-1-2008
Summary
Early and middle adolescence have been identified as critical periods for developing civic identity (Erikson, 1968; Sherrod, 2006; Youniss & Yates, 1997); thus, understanding adolescent political behaviors may help us to better understand pathways to political engagement in adulthood (Galston, 2001). Perhaps because adolescents are limited by age from the right to vote, little attention has been paid to consistent operationalization and measurement of adolescent political activity. This research seeks to strengthen the development of methodologically sound measures of adolescent political behavior by reviewing and critiquing commonly-used measures in the field. Based on a review of items used in 22 national surveys and intervention studies, this paper identifies substantial need for increased consistency and precision in measuring adolescent political behavior. Recommendations for strengthening the measurement of adolescent political behavior are discussed.
Document Type
Working Paper
Category
Civic Engagement and Service
Subarea
Community and National Service
Original Citation
Pritzker, S. (2008). Adolescent political behavior: Towards increased validity and reliability of measures (CSD Working Paper No. 08-32). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Project
Civic Engagement and Service
Keywords
measurement, youth
Recommended Citation
Pritzker, S. (2008). Adolescent political behavior: Towards increased validity and reliability of measures (CSD Working Paper No. 08-32). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7JH3KN2