The Youth Risk Behavior Study is an example of which type of crime measurement method?

The Youth Risk Behavior Study is categorized as self-report data because it directly gathers information from individuals about their own behaviors, experiences, and attitudes. This type of research relies on participants to disclose personal information regarding their involvement in risky behaviors, which can include substance use, violence, and sexual activity. The insights gained from self-report studies are invaluable, as they provide a nuanced understanding of behaviors that may not be captured in official reports or victimization surveys.

Official statistics typically rely on data compiled by law enforcement and other agencies, which may not entirely reflect individual experiences, particularly for sensitive topics. Victimization surveys focus on people's experiences of being victimized rather than self-reported behaviors, while observational studies involve researchers directly observing behaviors without relying on participant self-disclosure. In this context, self-report data from the Youth Risk Behavior Study specifically captures the personal accounts of youth regarding their risk-taking actions, making it an effective tool for understanding the broader trends in youth behavior.