Method in Context: Examining the Historical Developments and Contemporary Relevance of the Longitudinal-Experimental Design of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study

• In Event: New Findings from the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study

Abstract

The Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study represents the earliest longitudinal-experimental study in criminology. This paper examines the historical context in which this novel design arose and the many research possibilities it has created. Specifically, Joan McCord produced decades of research on family risk factors for delinquency and criminal offending based on her age-45 follow-up. Work has now commenced on the age-80 follow-up of the CSYS. Following up the men from middle to late age provides a unique opportunity to study the natural development of offending over the full life course. The prospective longitudinal design makes it possible to include the children of the CSYS men and investigate intergenerational transmission of offending. The ability to carry out this research stands as a testament to the study’s original design and vision.

Authors

• Steven N. Zane, Northeastern University

• Brandon C. Welsh, Northeastern University / NSCR

• Gregory M. Zimmerman, Northeastern University