Abstract
Jesness and Wedge (1984) presented validity data on a simplified hand-scorable method for classifying serious juvenile offenders into one of nine subtypes. The main hypothesis of the present study was that the classification procedure, which had its origins in the I-level system, was germane and valid when used with nondelinquent youths. Results showed that 99% of a sample of 1,626 junior school students received a classification, with 69% receiving a single classification. On retesting after one year, 48% of the 7th-grade students obtained the same classification. Analysis of variance and Sheffe tests revealed important subtype differences on a variety of demographic, achievement, attitudinal, and behavioral variables. These subtype differences were consistent with previous findings with delinquents, and indicated that the classification can be used with nondelinquents of both sexes.

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