Comparative modeling approaches for understanding urban violence

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of three different modeling approaches for exploring structural theories of violence. Specifically, ordinary least squares regression, geographically weighted regression and data envelopment analysis will be utilized to evaluate violent crime. This type of analysis expands upon traditional theory testing by deepening our understanding of differences in crime generation and its underlying demographic and socio-economic stimuli via different methodological lenses. A case study for the city of Cincinnati, Ohio is presented and the results suggest that a combination of approaches is likely the best strategy for evaluating violence in urban areas.

► We compare three modeling approaches for better understanding urban violence. ► OLS regression, geographically weighted regression and data envelopment analysis. ► A case study focusing on aggravated assaults at the block group level in Cincinnati, OH is presented. ► Results suggest that these three approaches provide a fair and balanced assessment of urban violence.