• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Raberk (talk) 01:22, 13 March 2025 (UTC)

Richard A. Berk is an American academic known for his contributions to the fields of criminology, climate change and statistics. He is currently an Emeritus Professor of Criminology and Statistics at the University of Pennsylvania and Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Statistics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His work has significantly influenced applied statistical methods, particularly in causal inference, forecasting, machine learning, and post‐model‐selection inference. His publications

Richard A. Berk earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yale University (1960–1964). He then pursued graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University, where he completed his Ph.D. in Sociology in 1970.

Berk’s academic career spans several decades and prestigious institutions:

• 1970–1973: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Urban Affairs at Northwestern University.
• 1973–1976: Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Center for Urban Affairs at Northwestern University.
• 1976–1987: Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara; during this time, he also served as Director of the Social Process Research Institute (1983–1987) and held a joint appointment as Professor of Sociology and Statistics (1986–1987).
• 1988–2006: Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He later held leadership roles as Director of the Center for the Study of the Environment and Society (1990–1997) and Director of the UCLA Statistical Consulting Center (1997–2002), culminating in his designation as Distinguished Professor of Statistics and Sociology (1997–2006) and subsequently Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Statistics.
• 2006–2021: Professor of Criminology and Statistics at the University of Pennsylvania, including a term as Department Chair of Criminology (2018–2020). Since 2021, he has been an Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Berk’s ongoing professional activities include membership in the American Statistical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and the American Geophysical Union. He has also contributed extensively to professional organizations and advisory panels in sociology, criminology, and statistics.

Richard A. Berk’s research spans a broad range of topics in applied statistics, criminology and climate science and policy. His work has led to important methodological advancements and practical applications including:

• Causal Inference and Machine Learning: Developing robust statistical methods for inferring causality, forecasting, and risk assessment in criminal justice settings. His research has contributed to the refinement of regression analysis techniques and the evaluation of experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
• Criminal Justice Applications: Innovating inmate classification and placement systems, assessing the deterrent effects of sentencing guidelines, and developing predictive models to forecast violent criminal behavior among parolees and probationers.
• Environmental and Public Policy Assessments: Applying statistical methods to evaluate environmental regulation compliance, water conservation efforts, and the broader impacts of policy interventions on public health and safety.
• Interdisciplinary Contributions: Extending statistical learning techniques to address challenges in atmospheric sciences and environmental forecasting, thereby contributing to the understanding of extreme climate conditions.

Berk’s work is characterized by its emphasis on integrating advanced statistical methodologies into practical, policy-relevant research.

Richard A. Berk is the author or co-author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications, including influential books and journal articles. Some of his notable writings include:

• *Between White and Black: The Faces of American Institutions in the Ghetto* (1968, with P. H. Rossi, et al.)
• *Collective Behavior* (1974)
• *The Roots of Urban Discontent* (1974, with P. H. Rossi and B. K. Edison)
• *A Measure of Justice: An Empirical Study, Changes in the California Penal Code, 1955–1971* (1977, with S. Lesser and H. Brackman)
• *Regression Analysis: A Constructive Critique* (2003)
• *Statistical Learning from a Regression Perspective* (2008; Second Edition 2016; Third Edition, June 2020, Springer)
• *Criminal Justice Forecasts of Risk: A Machine Learning Approach* (2012)
• *Machine Learning Risk Assessments in Criminal Justice Settings* (2018)

• University of Pennsylvania – Richard A. Berk
• Richard A. Berk at the Foundation for Evidence-Based Policymaking