Challenges in Measuring Firearm Prevalence: A Test of Cook's Index Across The Rural–Urban Continuum

<p>Cook's Index is the most commonly used proxy for firearm prevalence. This research uses New York's Pistol Permits to measure legitimate firearm prevalence and compare it to Cook's Index. In this study, Cook's Index predicted impossible values for several counties that together contained a clear majority of New York State citizens. Cook's Index was also shown to be unreliable across types of counties. Rural and Urban counties had significantly different ratios of Cook's Index to Pistol Permits in New York. The models show a general finding that the relationship between Cook's Index and legitimate firearm ownership varies depending on the Rural-Urban Continuum. A more precise and non-linear model is needed to estimate the prevalence of firearms. Finally, the way in which Rural and Urban culture affect the use of firearms needs further research.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Criminal Justice

Grantor

The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

Year dc:date.available

2019

Author dc:creator

• Cypher, Noah R

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Valerie West
• Candace McCoy

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Kitty Gelberg

• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Cook's Index
• Rural Urban Continuum
• Firearm Suicide
• Guns
• Validation Test
• New York

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3028

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-4076