Date of Award

2005

Degree Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Charles E. Collyer

Abstract

This paper introduces the concepts of labeling (detection of aggression severity) and provocation (response to directed aggression) as meaningful dimensions for evaluating police candidates' patterns of aggressive tendencies. The evaluation uses candidates' judgments on instances of suspect behaviors during hypothetical arrest situations. Findings showed that candidates agreed on an ordered continua of behavior severity, alpha = 0.99. One was able to predict very well candidates' provocation tendencies from knowing their labeling tendencies and vice versa, r2 = 0.76. Labeling and provocation tendencies were related to other established measures of aggression (e.g., Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, 1992). I discuss potential applications of candidates' labeling and provocation tendencies for use in police training sessions and employment evaluations.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.