An Evaluation of the Reliability and Validity of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) in South African Context

Abstract

The Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ: Loza, 2005) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assist with the prediction of violent and nonviolent recidivism among correctional populations. Use of scale could help in the assessment of risk and the identification of factors that could be addressed by programming or other intervention to reduce recidivism risk. Evidence for use of the SAQ in South African settings is needed. The SAQ was administered at two separate occasions and a week apart to a total of 125 male offenders in South Africa to evaluate its psychometric properties. Scores from the SAQ were reliable with South African inmates.

Keywords:

• risk assessment
• Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ)
• recidivism
• Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR)
• rehabilitation