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Community and National Service Democracy and Civic Engagement Working Paper

Adolescent Political Behavior: Towards Increased Validity and Reliability of Measures

By CSD • July 1, 2008October 27, 2021

Early and middle adolescence have been identified as critical periods for developing civic identity (Erikson, 1968; Sherrod, 2006; Youniss & Yates, 1997); thus, understanding adolescent political behaviors may help us to better understand pathways to political engagement in adulthood (Galston, 2001). Perhaps because adolescents are limited by age from the right to vote, little attention has been paid to consistent operationalization and measurement of adolescent political activity. This research seeks to strengthen the development of methodologically sound measures of adolescent political behavior by reviewing and critiquing commonly-used measures in the field. Based on a review of items used in 22 national surveys and intervention studies, this paper identifies substantial need for increased consistency and precision in measuring adolescent political behavior. Recommendations for strengthening the measurement of adolescent political behavior are discussed.

Project: Civic Engagement and Service

Citation

Pritzker, S. (2008). Adolescent political behavior: Towards increased validity and reliability of measures (CSD Working Paper No. 08-32). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.

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2008Democracy and Civic EngagementSuzanne Pritzkeryouth

Center for Social Development

Washington University in St. Louis

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