Research Methodology | Pros & Cons Of Each Data Collection Method

Question 1

To collect data for a research, it is possible to use a questionnaire and an interview. Both approaches are appropriate for collecting data in the field of criminal justice. Under some circumstances, it would be better to conduct an interview (e.g. complex situations that require detailed information), but under other circumstances, it is recommended to use a questionnaire survey (e.g. the lack of spare time). Interviews can be conducted by phone and through face-to-face interaction. Questionnaire surveys can be conducted by e-mail, online and in person (Maxfield & Babbie, 2011).

There are both pros and cons for each data collection method. Interviews allow covering important issues and having a clear understanding of the general problem. The cons for an interview are based in the assessments of the quality of research work. Interviews are time consuming; provide less factual information than questionnaires, as well as less details on the required general concepts. Besides, the role of an interviewer is minimized and his/her interactions are limited. The pros for an interview include the ability to probe complicated issues, answers to the questions can be clarified, and the atmosphere of research may be more relaxed (Klenke 112). If a question is misunderstood, it can be corrected.

The pros for a questionnaire survey are numerous. This approach helps to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interviewee’s attitudes and beliefs. This approach of data collection is not time consuming. It is inexpensive and can easily cover a wide area, administering a large number of respondents simultaneously. The cons for a questionnaire include providing incomplete information (e.g. “don’t know” answer) and developing poor motivation to respond honestly. In general, a wide range of factors need to be considered when conducting survey research, including sample, question construction, type of questions, and response rates. Each of these factors is crucial for effective research procedure.

Question 2

The major advantage of field research is flexibility. Field research design can be improved/ or modified at any time. A researcher is “always prepared to engage in field research, whenever the occasion should arise” (Babbie 324). Two basic components of field research are observation and interviews (asking questions). Filed research observation is the direct observation of some social phenomenon that occurs in the natural setting. For example, filed observation helps to identify the types of situations that produce violent behavior of youth. Interviews are based on asking questions on the required topics, e.g. lifestyles, relationships, attitudes, roles and responsibilities, etc.

The four approaches to field research include participant, participant observer, observer participant, and complete observer. These approaches have their individual characteristics. For example, is a researcher is complete observer, he/she will take notes openly. The strengths of field research are flexibility, validity and the depths of understanding. Besides, field research is inexpensive as it does not require the use of expensive equipment. There are several weaknesses of field research. Field research is qualitative; therefore it is not appropriate for statistical data. Besides, reliability and generalizability are weaknesses of field research (Maxfield & Babbie 211).

Question 3

There are two types of sampling designs in field research: simple random sampling and stratified sampling. These techniques are appropriate for effective field research. Simple random sampling is “best suited for field research situations in which all elements or units in the population can be easily identified from a list” (Narula & Pearce 51). Stratified sampling can give better results than simple random sampling because this technique depends on the availability of the proper information regarding relevant characteristics of the population that will be represented in proportion to the actual size of the total population.

The two general types of sampling techniques: probability and nonprobability sampling techniques. One can find the specific types within each category. There are several types of nonprobability sampling: “purposive sampling, quota sampling, and snowball sampling and reliance on available subjects” (Babbie 199). Probability sampling can be combined with and nonprobability sampling techniques. The benefits and limitations of each general technique are obvious. Probability sampling helps to estimate the accuracy of samples, while nonprobability sampling techniques are used when it is “impossible to determine the probability that any given element will be selected in a sample” (Maxfield & Babbie 166).

Question 4

A fellow researcher asks that I should join her in performing secondary data analysis on Department of Justice Data relevant to traffic stops and racial profiling. I would ask some questions relevant to the nature of the data in order to determine if the study is feasible. I will be able to choose an appropriate research methodology. Secondary data analysis is based on the use of the data which has already been collected. Evaluability assessments are focused on the analysis of the feasibility of the research. According to Maxfield and Babbie, an evaluation assessment can be defined as “the sort of a pre-evaluation, in which a researcher determines whether conditions necessary for conducting evaluation are present” (246). The questions and/or issues addressed with evaluability assessments are aimed at utilizing secondary data. The feasibility study questions that would be relevant for a racial profiling include: What are the benefits of racial profiling? What are the costs of utilizing racial profiling?

 

Works Cited

Babbie, E. The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning, 2012.

Klenke, K. Qualitative Research in the Study of Leadership. Emerald Group Publishing. 2008.

Maxfield, M., Babbie, E. Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology. 6th edition. Wadsworth. 2011.

Narula, W. & Pearce, B. Cultures Politics and Research Programs: An International Assessment of Practical Problems in Field Research. Routledge. 2012.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

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freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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