Analysis

The “Communities That Care Youth Survey” (CTCYS) is a tool designed to collect data on the behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions of young people in different communities. The survey focuses on important issues such as substance use, involvement in violent or criminal activities, school performance, and relationships with family and peers. Through the analysis of the data collected, the survey enables policymakers and social workers to identify risk and protective factors that influence youth. The goal is to develop and implement preventive measures and programs aimed at improving the well-being and safety of young people, as well as the overall quality of life in communities. By engaging students from various age groups and educational institutions, the survey provides a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities that youth face at the local level.

Objective

The objective of this questionnaire is to provide reliable and detailed data that will assist in understanding and addressing the challenges young people face in their communities. By gathering information on youth behavior, attitudes, and perceptions, the survey seeks to identify the risk and protective factors that influence their development and well-being. These data allow policymakers, educators, and social workers to design and implement targeted preventive interventions aimed at reducing negative behaviors and strengthening positive ones. Overall, the survey aims to improve the quality of life of young people and to promote a safe and supportive environment within their communities.

Scoring / Validation

The CTCYS-197 questionnaire consists of 197 items, which are evaluated through the following processes:
Preliminary Analysis: Before administering the questionnaire, a pilot study is conducted on a small sample to identify any ambiguities or issues in the questions.
Internal Consistency Analysis: Statistical methods, such as Cronbach’s alpha, are used to estimate the internal consistency of the different scales of the questionnaire. This ensures that questions within the same scale measure the same construct.
Content Validity: Expert reviewers evaluate the questions to ensure they adequately cover the subject of the study and are appropriate for the participants’ age and cultural context.
Factor Analysis: Factor analysis is conducted to identify the underlying dimensions of the questions and confirm the structure of the questionnaire.
Test-Retest Reliability: The questionnaire is administered to the same sample at two different time points to assess the stability of responses over time.
Longitudinal Validity: The consistency of results is examined when the questionnaire is used across different time periods or with different samples.
Comparative Analysis: Results are compared with those of other studies or benchmark data to confirm external validity.

References

Arthur MW, Hawkins JD, Pollard JA, Catalano RF, Baglioni AJ. Measuring risk and protective factors for substance use, delinquency, and other adolescent problem behaviors: the Communities That Care Youth Survey. Evaluation Review, 2002; 26(6): 575–601.