Research methods and theoretical frameworks

Criminal Justice -- Research Method & Theory

British Crime Survey (BCS) Review

The survey I reviewed is from primary research that provided a transcript for an interview, presumably to use in a face-to-face interview -- there are directions for showing cards to the respondents that give them a change to read response options and choices. Demographic data was collected at the beginning of the survey either to act as a screener or because it is essential to the data collection -- having this information at the start of the survey ensures that the interview will not conclude or be aborted without collecting this information. Demographic data tends to be categorized, which provides quantitative data analysis capability. A fairly consistent use of a 5-point Likert scale is used to record participants' responses. In other places, respondents are asked to choose from a list of distinct responses or simply answer yes or no. Where multiple choices are provided, the options are clear and distinct from one another, an attribute that contributes to content validity. In addition, the same question is asked in different ways across the survey -- which is quite lengthy -- thereby adding a measure of reliability. The cover letter was informative and engaging, and it was sent to home addressed that had been randomly selected. It offered sufficient rationale for the survey, told the potential participants what would happen next, and gave them an incentive to respond (a book of stamps).

Assignment #2 Web Survey Methodology (WebSM)

Article Summary:

Well, W., Cavanaugh, M.R., Nobles, M.R., and Bouffard, J. (2011). A Non-Response Bias with a Web-Based Survey of College Students: Differences from a Classroom Survey About Carrying Concealed Handguns, SourceJournal of Quantitative Criminology.

The article reports on a study that examined differences in non-responses on web-administered surveys and in-class surveys administered to college students. The study used content that was likely to elicit polarizing opinions (changing concealed handgun-carrying laws on college campuses). The study findings showed substantive differences between in-class and web-administered versions of the survey. When responding to the survey on the web, students expressed more extreme opinions and behavioral responses. Sample representativeness was seen to be an issue and recommendations were made regarding multiple sources of data beyond web-administered surveys.

Article Summary:

Callegaro, M., Yang, Y., and Villar, A. (2011). Should we use the progress bar in online surveys? A meta-analysis of experiments manipulating progress indicators, SourceGeneral Online Research Conference (GOR)

The study explored the effect of using progress indicators to help prevent drop-off in online surveys. The findings indicate that the progress bar does not impact drop-off rates, but the fast-to-slow bard does have an impact. Drop-off rates increase when a slow-to-fast bar is used as compared to not showing a progress bar. The fast-to-slow progress indicator is currently considered to be ethically questionable by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR) codes, so use is not recommended by the authors.

Assignment # 3 -- Surveymonkey Survey Questions

1. Do you work a rotating shift?

2. How often do you go to work feeling as though you have not had enough sleep?

3. What do you do when you have not had enough rest and you have to work?

4. Do you feel that the quality of your work, including your reaction time and mental alertness, is impacted by how much you sleep?

5. When you are not working, do you engage in recreation, or do you catch up on sleep?

*I am interested in these questions because sleep is closely related to cognitive processing and mood, both of which are critical factors in police work.

Assignment # 4 -- Center for Problem-Oriented Policing (POP Center)

The sample for the offender's interviews in Rana Sampson study on theft of and from autos in parking facilities in Chula Vista, California, was inadequate for any type of generalization. Sampson recognized this problem from the onset of the study, and identified the primary factor contributing to the low number of offenders in the sample -- the arrest rates were very low for the criteria used in sampling. Apparently the risk of getting caught stealing cars -- or stealing from cars -- in these parking lots in Chula Vista is quite low. It is entirely possible that Sampson's sampling procedures result in a sample of young, inexperienced, careless, or not very bright offenders. Sampson's research would be vastly improved by expanding her sample to other cities that are similarly situated or in which auto theft is similarly a problem.