Data Collection Methods (Read Carefully)

CJ490_Unit7_Chap9_Modified.ppt

Field Observations

Chapter 9

Introduction

Field research encompasses two different methods of obtaining data:

Direct observation

Asking questions

May yield qualitative and quantitative data

Often no precisely defined hypotheses to be tested

Used to make sense out of an ongoing process

Topics Appropriate to Field Research

Gives comprehensive perspective – enhances validity

Go directly to phenomenon, observe it as completely as possible

Especially appropriate for topics best understood in their natural setting

Various Roles of the Observer (Gold, 1969)

Ethnography: focuses on a detailed and accurate description rather than explanation

Complete participant: participates fully; true identity and purpose are not known to subjects

Participant-as-observer: make known your position as researcher and participate with the group

Observer-as-participant: make known your position as a researcher; do not actually participate

Complete observer: observes without becoming a participant

Choosing the Right Role

There is a trade-off between the role observes adopt and their ability to learn from what they see.
Researchers must think about the trade-off
Reactivity: when subjects are affected by the role of the researcher
Different situations require different roles

Recording Observations

Various methods for recording observations
Span from pen and paper to video recordings
The methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement
Do not trust your memory
Take notes in stages
Note everything that seems important and things that do not seem important at the time

Linking Field Observations and Other Data

Useful to combine field research with surveys or data from official records

Strengths and Weaknesses of Field Observation

Chief strength is depth of understanding

Flexibility

Study active offenders in the field

Study justice officials in natural settings

Usually does not yield precise descriptive statements about a large population

Precise probability samples cannot normally be drawn

Validity and Reliability

Observations are strong in validity
Problems occur when subjects are aware of the researcher’s role
Reviewing field notes and interview transcripts can improve validity
Can have potential problems with reliability
Interpretation of observations might vary by observer
Reliability can be improved through careful attention to the details of observation
Generalizability is often a problem