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Open-Source Data and the Study of Homicide
William S Parkin1, Jeff Gruenewald2
11 Seattle University, WA, USA.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|July 22, 2015
Summary
Open-source data can effectively supplement or replace official sources in homicide research. This study found open-source data replicated official homicide data and offered additional valuable variables for theory testing.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Data Science
Background:
- The use of open-source data in social sciences, particularly for homicide research, remains underexplored.
- Official data sources are the traditional standard for studying homicide patterns and characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity and reliability of open-source data for homicide research.
- To determine if open-source data can augment or replace official homicide data in theory testing.
Main Methods:
- A comparative case study was conducted using official and open-source homicide data from a single jurisdiction over one year.
- Data sets were analyzed to assess the replication of homicide populations and variable responses.
Main Results:
- Open-source data successfully replicated the homicide population identified in official records.
- Open-source data captured equivalent or greater amounts of information for measured variables compared to official data.
- Open-source data provided access to variables not present in official records, potentially enhancing theoretical research.
Conclusions:
- Open-source data show potential as a valid and reliable alternative or supplement to official data in homicide research.
- The findings suggest open-source data can effectively identify individual and situational characteristics of homicides.
- Open-source data offer unique geographic and variable insights valuable for macro-level analysis and theory development.
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