Shifting the Focus From Variables to Substantive Domains When Modeling Homicide Case Outcomes

To advance our understanding of the factors that predict homicide investigation outcomes, this study systematizes measures into five substantive domains of inquiry (involved subjects, incident circumstances, case dynamics, ecological characteristics, and investigator factors), drawing attention to the significance of each block as a possible conceptual model for subsequent clearance research. The domain-focused approach was tested using 2009 to 2011 homicide cases (N = 252). Findings suggest such comprehensive models may provide practical flexibility to researchers when confronted with data access restrictions while preserving a sense of conceptual sophistication