SHOPLIFTING INVENTORY

SHOPLIFTING INVENTORY

Designed for Shoplifter (misdemeanor and felony) Assessment

The Shoplifting Inventory (SI) is designed for shoplifter evaluation. Shoplifters come from a variety of backgrounds, from rural and urban settings, and are representative of different ages, genders, ethnic groups and educational backgrounds. The Shoplifting Inventory (SI) has 9 scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Entitlement Scale, 3. Shoplifting Scale, 4. Antisocial Scale, 5. Peer Pressure Scale, 6. Self-Esteem Scale, 7. Impulsiveness Scale, 8. Alcohol Scale and 9. Drugs Scale. The SI consists of 185 items and takes 45 minutes to complete. This is a unique test that explores motivation, attitude and need. It assesses areas deemed necessary for adequately understanding shoplifters.

 

 

Description

Theories about shoplifting proliferate. However, shoplifter motivation is complex. Many shoplifters regard themselves as special. Some have inflated self-esteem; whereas, others disapprove of themselves. Shoplifters often believe they are entitled to the things they want and take them when they can. These people believe they are entitled. Then, there are the antisocial and uncaring shoplifters. Some shoplifters blame their actions on substance abuse. Many claim their shoplifting is impulsive. Peer pressure, particularly during adolescence, can be a powerful influence. And then, there are people who don’t know why they shoplift. Yet, they do steal from stores during shopping hours.

The SI has 185 items and takes 45 minutes to complete. It has a high 5^th to low 6^th grade reading level. SI tests are scored on-site with reports available within 3 minutes of data input.

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Nine SI Scales (Measures)

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the shoplifter was while completing the SI. It identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
    
2. Entitlement Scale: Measures attitudes and beliefs towards entitlement. Some people believe they are entitled to more than others in terms of material goods.
    
3. Shoplifting Scale: Measures a person’s tendency toward stealing things from stores. This is more of a characterological scale and measures the probability of shoplifting.
    
4. Antisocial Scale: Measures antisocial thinking and behavior, which incorporate an uncaring and irresponsible attitude. Hostility, unsociableness, disloyalty and adjustment problems are common.
    
5. Peer Pressure Scale: Measures a person’s susceptibility to peer pressure and the influence of others.
    
6. Self-Esteem Scale: Measures a person’s perception of self. Self-esteem incorporates an attitude of acceptance-approval versus rejection-disapproval of oneself. It describes the person one believes oneself to be.
    
7. Impulsiveness Scale: Measures a tendency to act on sudden impulse. Some people respond suddenly or spontaneously; whereas, others are more deliberate.
    
8. Alcohol Scale: Measures the frequency and magnitude of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor.
    
9. Drugs Scale: Measures illicit drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, cocaine, crack, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. This scale is independent of the Alcohol Scale.

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SI Test Booklet

Shoplifting Inventory (SI) test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 185 items and are written at a high 5^th to low 6^th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the SI. Questions are direct and easily understood. It takes 45 minutes, on average, to complete this test. SI test booklets are available in both English and Spanish.

SI Reports

In brief, SI reports summarize the offender’s self-reported history, explain what attained scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.

Within 3 minutes from test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 3-page reports are available on-site. These reports summarize a wealth of information in an easily understood format. For example, these reports include an SI profile (graph), which summarizes test findings at a glance. Also included are explanations of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations.

Significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to the built-in interview (the last sequence of multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis has been placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.

If you would like to go directly to an example SI report, click on the SI Example Report link. The example SI report is presented at the end of this webpage.

Advantages of Screening

Screening and assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may need referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment. This filtering system works as follows:

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at or above the 70^th percentile. These risk range percentiles are based upon the offenders that have taken the SI. This procedure is fair and avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A court, probation department or assessment agency’s policy might refer clients with severe problems (11%) for further evaluation and/or treatment. In this case, 11% of the people screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might refer offenders with identified problems (Problem and Severe Problem). In this case, 31% of the people would be referred. In these examples, 89% or 69% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) services.

Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in needy people receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more needy people would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.

SI Software

The SI is available in MS-DOS or Windows formatted test application diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. In contrast, Windows diskettes require a simple one-time computer setup procedure after which SI data (25 or 50 test applications) diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.

Proprietary SI diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once an SI account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the test data and demographics are downloaded into the SI database for subsequent database analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all client names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all test user names insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

The "SI: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the SI works and should be read by staff. The "SI: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique SI computer-related features.

SI Database

The SI system contains a proprietary database. Earlier, it was noted that all SI used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data along with related demographics are downloaded into the SI database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research ensures quality control. Annual testing program summaries provide program self-evaluation.

Built-in Database

The SI permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional cost. When the 25 or 50 tests on a data diskettes are used, that diskette is returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into the expanding SI database.

Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include database (research) analysis and annual testing program summary reports. Returned diskettes from a state, department, court or agency can be selected from the database for research analysis. Database analysis insures quality control.

In summary, having all used SI test data centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency distributions, correlations, ANOVA, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations. The SI Research Study link takes you to the research study at the bottom of this webpage.

Annual Summary Reports

Risk & Needs can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this Annual Summary Reports link.

Reliability and Validity

The SI has a built-in proprietary database that insures inclusion of all tests administered in a confidential (no names) manner. And, these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the research summary document titled "SI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." SI scales maintain high reliability coefficients.

For example, coefficient alpha’s for SI scales are reported below for 1,037 shoplifters screened in the year 2002.

All SI scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Early SI studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L and F-Scales, 16PF, SAQ-Adult Probation III, MacAndrews, Defendant Questionnaire, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the "SI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." And, ongoing database analysis (research) is done to evaluate reliability and validity.

Staff Member Input

Some people advocate fully automated assessment; Risk & Needs does not. The SI is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court records should be reviewed. Experienced staff should also interview the offender. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each SI report: "Shoplifting Inventory or SI reports are confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon these results. The SI is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment and review of available records."

Unique SI Features

Truthfulness Scale: Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that many offenders attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary tests. The SI's Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment. The SI's Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the SI's Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI’s L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.

Truth-Corrected Scores: Have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale correction. The SI's Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other 8 scales. The Truth Correction equation converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the offender wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the offender is attempting to hide.

More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the SI assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, denial and faking, self-esteem, peer pressure, impulsiveness, etc. The SI is specifically designed for shoplifter screening.

Three ways to give the SI. The SI can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. SI English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available. 2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some agencies dedicate computers for SI testing. And, 3. Human Voice Audio in English or Spanish is available. These three test administration modes are discussed in the "SI: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test modes so test users can select the administration mode that is optimally suited to their needs.

Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading impaired offenders represent 20+ percent of the offenders tested. This represents a serious problem to other treatment tests. Risk & Needs has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem: Human Voice Audio.

Human Voice Audio: Presentation of the SI is in English and Spanish. Clients’ passive vocabularies are often greater than their active vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. This administration mode requires earphones and simple instructions to orient the offender to the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio is an alternative approach for screening reading impaired offenders.

Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete offender names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Once offender names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting offender names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the SI database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures offender confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Test Data Input Verification: Allows the person that inputs test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries match or are the same, the staff person can continue. This proprietary Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the SI research has been gathered together in a document titled "SI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes SI research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely because of the SI database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "SI: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the SI works. It is a must read for staff that will be using the SI. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: instructions for testing, explanation of how scores are derived, clarification of how court-related information is used, description of unique SI features and much more.

Computer Operating Guide: Some computer operators want more information than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic instructions for scoring SI’s, and a more comprehensive "SI: Computer Operating Guide." The Computer Operating Guide contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software. This manual discusses hardware, software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more.

Test Unit Fee (Cost): SI cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee is very affordable.

Free Examination Kit: A 1-test SI demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that the software is contained on the diskette. This way, the one-time Windows setup program is avoided at the demo level. The examination kit contains a 1-test demo diskette, test booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), an "SI: Orientation and Training Manual," One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

How to Proceed: To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs test user and can order tests. Established Risk & Needs test users can reorder by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

    Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
    New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
    How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Staff Training: Risk & Needs' staff is available to participate in SI training programs conducted by statewide programs, departments and high volume agencies in the United States. Sometimes, smaller volume providers get together for collective (multiple providers) on-site training. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour SI training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their SI training.

Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk & Needs at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.

Juvenile Violence Interview (JVI): The JVI is a structured interview, not a test. The JVI consists of 60 multiple choice items. It obtains background and opinions as well as history. Whatever multiple choice answer that is selected is presented in the JVI report. Use of the JVI is voluntary (not required). The JVI is free. JVI use is restricted to users of Risk & Needs juvenile tests. The JVI is not a test, and it is not to be used as a standalone test. The JVI is a structured interview. For more information on the JVI and to see a JVI report, click on the Juvenile Violence Interview (JVI) link.

Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (ACSI): The ACSI is a structured interview, not a test. The ACSI consists of 65 multiple choice items. It obtains comprehensive background history, pattern of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and criminogenic needs information.  Whatever multiple choice item answer that is selected is printed in the ACSI report. Use of the ACSI is voluntary (not required). The ACSI is free. ACSI use is restricted to users of Risk & Needs adult tests. The ACSI is not a test, and it is not to be used as a standalone test. The ACSI is a structured interview. For more information on the ACSI and to see an ACSI report, click on this ACSI link.

Selecting a Shoplifter Screening Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a screening instrument or test for shoplifter assessment, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. It lists important screening test qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the SI.

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SHOPLIFTING INVENTORY (SI) EXAMPLE REPORT

Shoplifting Inventory (SI) reports consist of 3 printed pages. Within 3 minutes of test data entry, SI reports are scored, interpreted and printed on-site.

The first page of the SI report presents the offender’s name, some brief demographics and a self-reported court history. The SI Profile (graph) identifies SI scales by name, presents attained scale scores and graphically summarizes the nine scale scores. The Truthfulness Scale paragraph completes the first page of the SI report.

The second page of the SI report presents seven scale paragraphs: Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale, Antisocial Scale, Shoplifting Scale, Entitlement Scale, Peer Pressure Scale and the Self-Esteem Scale. Each of these paragraphs gives the offender’s attained score, explains what that score means and presents score-related recommendations.

The third page of the SI report begins with the Impulsiveness Scale paragraph. Significant items (direct admissions or unusual answers) are presented for the Alcohol, Drugs, Antisocial and Shoplifting Scales. Space is provided for staff comments or recommendations, their signature and date of the assessment. Page 3 concludes with a reproduction of the shoplifter’s answers to all 185 items.

NAME: Example Report               -3-                       SI REPORT

has adequate to good self-esteem.

IMPULSIVE SCALE: MEDIUM RISK RANGE                 RISK PERCENTILE: 68
Even though a Medium Risk (40 to 69th percentile) score  was attained,
some indicators of impulsive, planning or decision making problems are
evident.  This may represent a tendency for impulsiveness, poor  deci-
sion making or planning difficulties. This is a Medium Risk score.


SIGNIFICANT ITEMS: The following self-report responses represent areas
that may help in understanding the client's situation.

ALCOHOL                                DRUGS
-------                                -----
34. Is concerned about drinking        14. States enjoys using drugs
93. Alc. problem more than minor       45. Uses to settle down, feel good
128. Needs help to overcome problem    133. Admits uses drugs

ANTISOCIAL                             SHOPLIFTING
----------                             -----------
12. Has little concern for others       9. Fun to get away with shoplifting
27. Indifferent, lying, irritable      26. Says shoplifting is like a game
58. Thefts, unreliable, hostile        47. States some friends shoplift
                                       62. Admits enjoys shoplifting



COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS: __________________________________________

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   STAFF MEMBER SIGNATURE               DATE

                           SI RESPONSES                   (SI TEST # 1 )
                           ------------
      1- 50 FTTTFTTFTF TTFTFTFFFT TFFTFTTTTT FTFTFTFFFT TFTTTTTTFF
     51-100 TFTTFTFTTT TTFTFFFTFF TFTTTFFFFT FTTTFFFTTT FTTFTFFTTT
    101-150 FFFFFTFFFT FFFFFFFTFF TFTFTTFTFT FFFFTFF242 4134141415
    151-185 2414152434 2413234232 3241423343 41424





   Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, AZ 85064-4828

With regard to the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) its criminogenic needs include:  Shoplifting, Entitlement, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem, Impulsiveness, Antisocial Thoughts and Substance (alcohol and other drugs) Abuse.  It is not by chance that these criminogenic needs represent the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) scales or measures.

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We hope this Shoplifting Inventory (SI) webpage was interesting and helpful. Interested parties should contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. at P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona, 85064-4828. Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227, and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Copyright 2003 - Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. - All Rights Reserved