CJ490 Module 4 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice

CJ490M4: Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Module 4 Worksheet

Data Collection Methods

There are three main ways to collect data: asking questions, making observations, or using existing data (Maxfield & Babbie, 2016). But a fourth way, using a combination, is also often utilized. The data collection methods include:

• Survey research (asking questions)

• Field research (making observations)

• Existing data (secondary data analysis)

• Combination of methods (triangulation)

Using the four data collection method options listed above, complete the following for each of the scenarios below:

1. Identify and describe the one best method to collect information for the scenarios. (Choices cannot be used more than once.)

2. Justify your reasoning for selecting this data collection method by evaluating the method and why it is the best choice out of the four.

Scenario 1: Describe police officer perceptions of the effectiveness of wearing body cameras.

Identify the data collection method:

Describe how the data would be collected.

Why would this data collection method be most appropriate?

Scenario 2: Conduct a hot-spot analysis on 911 calls for domestic violence.

Identify the data collection method:

Describe how the data would be collected.

Why would this data collection method be most appropriate?

Scenario 3: Describe the prevalence of stalking in a small Midwest city.

Identify the data collection method:

Describe how the data would be collected.

Why would this data collection method be most appropriate?

Scenario 4: Describe the nature and scope of prostitution at truck stops along I-95.

Identify the data collection method:

Describe how the data would be collected.

Why would this data collection method be most appropriate?