Homework Responses Week 3

According to our lesson this week, there are three approaches used to collect and analyze data. Qualitative research is the least objective and is often referred to as exploratory research. Interviews are a common method of conducting qualitative research using a phenomenological strategy; however, an interview is much harder to measure than numbers and statistics. For this reason, qualitative research is often used to develop a hypothesis that can be more accurately measured with quantitative research.

Quantitative research is metric driven; and the results are easily displayed on charts, graphs, or with statistics. It is a much more concrete form of research that is harder to dispute. In studies that make use of quantitative research, the data itself is hard to argue; instead, one must argue that the method of collecting the data was flawed if they object to the results. Descriptive strategies involving tools like the Likert Scale, polls, or surveys are frequently used in quantitative research.

The third method is a mixed approach that incorporates aspects of qualitative and quantitative research. This method aims to take advantage of the strengths, and strategies, intrinsic to each style of research. “Mixed-methods approaches may also overcome some of the limitations inherent in a single methodological approach.” (Ellis, et al., 2009, p. 238).

My research proposal is designed to measure the media’s impact on the public perception of law enforcement following their preliminary coverage of incidences of alleged police misconduct. With this in mind, I believe a mixed-method approach will allow me to gain the most complete understanding of my topic.

Chermak, McGarrell, and Gruenewald (2006) studied this topic and noted that their study was limited by the fact that it covered only one point in time. I would suggest that my research begin by surveying a large number of people, representative of the entire United States populous, to incorporate a wide range of geographic location, age, ethnicity, occupation, political affiliation, etc.

I would use this data to narrow the field of research while still maintaining a group representative of the populous. Then, I would use a combination of interviews and polls to gain an understanding of how the average consumer interprets the media coverage of alleged police misconduct – as well as identifying any lasting sentiment towards law enforcement.

I believe using only one method of research would lead to a limited understanding of the topic in focus. This is a highly polarized and sensationalized issue in the United States today; and I believe numbers alone will fall short in describing the current climate. The emotion captured by conducting qualitative research paired with the numbers generated by quantitative will produce the most comprehensive data currently available on the subject.

References

Chermak, M., McGarrell, E., & Gruenewald, J. (2006). Media coverage of police misconduct and attitudes toward police. Policing : an International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, 29(2), 261–281. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510610667664

Ellis, L., Hartley, R. D., & Walsh, A. (2009). Research methods in criminal justice and criminology : An interdisciplinary approach. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com