Discussion 9: Data Collection I

 

In Module 9, we examined survey data collection, a hallmark of social science research involving individual-level attitudes, experiences, beliefs, and opinions. The assigned readings for this module offered perspective on constructing survey questionnaires under different priorities and purposes, along with a review of the empirical science behind self-report surveys involving crime.

In this week's discussion, offer your own insights about taking surveys. Have you been approached by someone collecting survey data specifically about crime and/or victimization (if not, how do you anticipate that you would respond)? Did you take the survey, or did you decline (if you've done both in the past, what factors caused you to make different choices)? Have you always been honest on surveys? Do you tend not to answer certain types of questions, and if so, why? In your opinion, what are the most important barriers to communicating questions or ideas on a survey, and how would you, as a researcher, try to overcome them?

Important: The main idea behind this module's discussion is to talk about common challenges that impact survey data collection. Please don't post anything that's especially personal or sensitive, such as details about your own victimization experiences.