Method behind the madness: An examination of stalking measurements

Stalking is defined in a variety of ways within state statutes and social science and, therefore, researchers have not standardized how to define or operationalize this phenomenon. These disparate definitions and approaches to measurement have important implications for the validity, reliability, and generalizability of knowledge about stalking victimization and perpetration across different contexts. The purpose of this article is to identify patterns in defining and measuring stalking and to advance the field by offering recommendations for measuring stalking more consistently in the future. Methodological procedures of 56 peer-reviewed published stalking studies are examined and implications for future stalking measurement are discussed.

Research Highlights► Recommendation 1: Examine non-college samples to allow for comparisons with prior research. ► Recommendation 2: Use research designs that reduce time-order problems. ► Recommendation 3: Examine measures for validity and reliability. ► Recommendation 4: Include items to compare with and build upon prior research.