Question 1

One of the chief goals of social science is generalization. _____ can be a problem for qualitative field research. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
B. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
C. The correct answer is "C" because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
D. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.

Question 2

In field research, validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things
Observed or people interviewed has been _____ captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
B. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
C. The correct answer is "C" because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
D. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.

Question 3

Field research encompasses two different methods of obtaining data: 1) making direct observation and 2) asking questions.

Accepted Answer

This is true because making observations and asking questions makes filed research. Just asking questions will be survey research.

Question 4

Controlled probability sampling techniques are not usually possible in field research.
But in some circumstances, researchers can combine probability and nonprobability sampling. In practice, _____ sampling is seldom used in field research. Different types of purposive samples are much more common.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because generally field research uses and produces qualitative data in criminal justice. However field research may produce either qualitative or quantitative data. Grounded theory is typically built from qualitative field observations. Or observations that can be quantified may produce measures for hypothesis testing.
B. The correct answer is "B" because generally field research uses and produces qualitative data in criminal justice. However field research may produce either qualitative or quantitative data. Grounded theory is typically built from qualitative field observations. Or observations that can be quantified may produce measures for hypothesis testing.
C. This is an incorrect answer because generally field research uses and produces qualitative data in criminal justice. However field research may produce either qualitative or quantitative data. Grounded theory is typically built from qualitative field observations. Or observations that can be quantified may produce measures for hypothesis testing.
D. This is an incorrect answer because generally field research uses and produces qualitative data in criminal justice. However field research may produce either qualitative or quantitative data. Grounded theory is typically built from qualitative field observations. Or observations that can be quantified may produce measures for hypothesis testing.

Question 5

Photographs or videotapes cannot be used to make records of visual images such as a block of apartment buildings before and after some physical design change or to serve as a pretest for an experimental neighborhood cleanup campaign.

Accepted Answer

Photographs or videotapes can indeed be used to make records of visual images such as a block of apartment buildings before and after some physical design change or to serve as a pretest for an experimental neighborhood cleanup campaign, as they provide a visual documentation of changes and can be valuable in assessing the impact of such interventions.

Question 6

Sampling in field research tends to be less complicated than in other kinds of research. In many types of field studies, researchers attempt to observe everything within their field of study; thus, in a sense, they do not sample at all.

Accepted Answer

While field research may involve observation of a specific setting or group, it is still important to carefully select and limit the scope of what is being observed. This often involves some form of sampling, whether it is purposive sampling of specific individuals or events, or random sampling of a larger population. Sampling in field research is a critical aspect of ensuring validity and generalizability of findings.

Question 7

Field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on _____ and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.

Accepted Answer

A. The correct answer is "A" because field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on rigorous sampling and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.
B. This is an incorrect answer because field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on rigorous sampling and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.
C. This is an incorrect answer because field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on rigorous sampling and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.
D. This is an incorrect answer because field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on rigorous sampling and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.

Question 8

A field observer using _____ is guided by instruments designed by presumably experienced and knowledgeable police researchers, as compared to an ethnographer who relies heavily his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.

Accepted Answer

A. The correct answer is "A" because structured observation provides all the guidance to the field observer in the form of tested and tried instruments as compared to an ethnographer who has to use his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.
B. This is an incorrect answer because structured observation provides all the guidance to the field observer in the form of tested and tried instruments as compared to an ethnographer who has to use his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.
C. This is an incorrect answer because structured observation provides all the guidance to the field observer in the form of tested and tried instruments as compared to an ethnographer who has to use his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.
D. This is an incorrect answer because structured observation provides all the guidance to the field observer in the form of tested and tried instruments as compared to an ethnographer who has to use his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.

Question 9

The _____ observes a location or process without becoming a part of it in any way. The subjects of study might not even realize they are being studied because of the researcher's unobtrusiveness. An individual making observations while sitting in a courtroom is an example.

Accepted Answer

A. The correct answer is "A" because the complete observer is less likely to affect what is being studied and less likely to go native than the complete participant, he or she may also be less able to develop a full appreciation of what is being studied. A courtroom observer, for example, witnesses only the public acts that take place in the courtroom, not private conferences between judges and attorneys.
B. This is an incorrect answer because the complete observer is less likely to affect what is being studied and less likely to go native than the complete participant, he or she may also be less able to develop a full appreciation of what is being studied. A courtroom observer, for example, witnesses only the public acts that take place in the courtroom, not private conferences between judges and attorneys.
C. This is an incorrect answer because the complete observer is less likely to affect what is being studied and less likely to go native than the complete participant, he or she may also be less able to develop a full appreciation of what is being studied. A courtroom observer, for example, witnesses only the public acts that take place in the courtroom, not private conferences between judges and attorneys.
D. This is an incorrect answer because the complete observer is less likely to affect what is being studied and less likely to go native than the complete participant, he or she may also be less able to develop a full appreciation of what is being studied. A courtroom observer, for example, witnesses only the public acts that take place in the courtroom, not private conferences between judges and attorneys.

Question 10

A great deal of criminal justice research is conducted using a combination of different data collection methods. Often field research is combined with surveys or data from official records. This is consistent with general advice about using _____ and data collection methods.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A great deal of criminal justice research...

Question 11

Field research is especially effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for
Examining processes over time. For these reasons, the chief strength of this method is the depth of understanding it permits. Validity is usually a strength of field observation,
But _____ are sometimes weaknesses.

Accepted Answer

A. The correct answer is "A" because field research is especially effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for examining processes over time. Field research has its chief strength as the depth of understanding it permits. So, validity is usually a strength of field observation. It has flexibility but sometimes reliability and generalizability may not be its best strengths
B. This is an incorrect answer because field research is especially effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for examining processes over time. Field research has its chief strength as the depth of understanding it permits. So, validity is usually a strength of field observation. It has flexibility but sometimes generalizability may not be its best strength.
C. This is an incorrect answer because field research is especially effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for examining processes over time. Field research has its chief strength as the depth of understanding it permits. So, validity is usually a strength of field observation. It has flexibility but sometimes reliability may not be its best strength.

Question 12

The observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a _____.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because the observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a participant. For example, many observational studies of police patrol are examples of this approach. Researchers typically accompany police officers on patrol, observing routine activities and interactions between police and citizens. Spending several hours in the company of a police officer also affords opportunities for unstructured interviewing.
B. This is an incorrect answer because the observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a participant. For example, many observational studies of police patrol are examples of this approach. Researchers typically accompany police officers on patrol, observing routine activities and interactions between police and citizens. Spending several hours in the company of a police officer also affords opportunities for unstructured interviewing.
C. The correct answer is "C" because the observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a participant. For example, many observational studies of police patrol are examples of this approach. Researchers typically accompany police officers on patrol, observing routine activities and interactions between police and citizens. Spending several hours in the company of a police officer also affords opportunities for unstructured interviewing.
D. This is an incorrect answer because the observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a participant. For example, many observational studies of police patrol are examples of this approach. Researchers typically accompany police officers on patrol, observing routine activities and interactions between police and citizens. Spending several hours in the company of a police officer also affords opportunities for unstructured interviewing.

Question 13

Field researchers need to always participate in what they are studying, because they usually will study it directly at the scene of the action.

Accepted Answer

Field researchers do not always need to participate in what they are studying; they can also observe without participating, depending on the research approach and objectives.

Question 14

The methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how _____. For example, if we are interested in policies to increase nighttime pedestrian traffic in some city, we might want to know why people do or do not go out at night and how many people stroll around
Different neighborhoods.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because the methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how key concepts are operationalized. In connection with a survey-can determine people's reasons for going out or not, whereas video recordings of passersby can provide simple counts. By the same token, a traffic-counting device can produce information about the number of automobiles that pass a particular point on the road, but it cannot measure what the blood alcohol levels of drivers are, whether riders are wearing seat belts, or how fast a vehicle is traveling.
B. This is an incorrect answer because the methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how key concepts are operationalized. In connection with a survey-can determine people's reasons for going out or not, whereas video recordings of passersby can provide simple counts. By the same token, a traffic-counting device can produce information about the number of automobiles that pass a particular point on the road, but it cannot measure what the blood alcohol levels of drivers are, whether riders are wearing seat belts, or how fast a vehicle is traveling.
C. This is an incorrect answer because the methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how key concepts are operationalized. In connection with a survey-can determine people's reasons for going out or not, whereas video recordings of passersby can provide simple counts. By the same token, a traffic-counting device can produce information about the number of automobiles that pass a particular point on the road, but it cannot measure what the blood alcohol levels of drivers are, whether riders are wearing seat belts, or how fast a vehicle is traveling.
D. The correct answer is "D" because the methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how key concepts are operationalized. In connection with a survey-can determine people's reasons for going out or not, whereas video recordings of passersby can provide simple counts. By the same token, a traffic-counting device can produce information about the number of automobiles that pass a particular point on the road, but it cannot measure what the blood alcohol levels of drivers are, whether riders are wearing seat belts, or how fast a vehicle is traveling.

Question 15

The logic and power of probability sampling derive from statistical probability theory. A random and statistically representative sample permits confident generalization from a sample to a larger population. The logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting _____ in depth.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because the logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting information rich cases for study in depth, not in information for study. If researchers understand the principles and logic of more formal sampling methods, they are likely to produce more effective purposive sampling in field research.
B. The correct answer is "B" because the logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting information rich cases for study in depth. If researchers understand the principles and logic of more formal sampling methods, they are likely to produce more effective purposive sampling in field research.
C. This is an incorrect answer because the logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting information rich cases for study in depth not in information for non-probability samples. If researchers understand the principles and logic of more formal sampling methods, they are likely to produce more effective purposive sampling in field research.
D. This is an incorrect answer because the logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting information rich cases for study in depth not in information for purposeful sampling. If researchers understand the principles and logic of more formal sampling methods, they are likely to produce more effective purposive sampling in field research.

Question 16

Field observation involves making initial observations, developing tentative general conclusions that suggest further observations, making those observations, revising the prior conclusions.

Accepted Answer

This is true because field research is used to make sense out of an ongoing process that cannot be predicted in advance. This process involves making initial observations, developing tentative general conclusions that suggest further observations, making those observations, revising the prior conclusions, and so forth.

Question 17

Different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both _____ considerations. Both of these often conflict.

Accepted Answer

A. This is an incorrect answer because different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both methodological and ethical considerations. Because these often conflict and deciding on the appropriate role may be difficult. Often, researchers find that their role limits the scope of their study.
B. This is an incorrect answer because different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both methodological and ethical considerations. Because these often conflict and deciding on the appropriate role may be difficult. Often, researchers find that their role limits the scope of their study.
C. This is an incorrect answer because different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both methodological and ethical considerations. Because these often conflict and deciding on the appropriate role may be difficult. Often, researchers find that their role limits the scope of their study.
D. The correct answer is "D" because different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both methodological and ethical considerations. Because these often conflict and deciding on the appropriate role may be difficult. Often, researchers find that their role limits the scope of their study.

Question 18

The reliability of quantitative field studies can be enhanced by careful attention to the details of observation. In a more general sense, reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations _____. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer.

Accepted Answer

A. The correct answer is "A" because reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations decreases. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer as most of us draw on our own experiences and backgrounds in interpreting what we observe. Electronic devices and machines can produce very reliable counts of participants while the fieldworkers can tabulate a specific behavior.
B. This is an incorrect answer because reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations decreases. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer as most of us draw on our own experiences and backgrounds in interpreting what we observe. Electronic devices and machines can produce very reliable counts of participants while the fieldworkers can tabulate a specific behavior.
C. This is an incorrect answer because reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations decreases. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer as most of us draw on our own experiences and backgrounds in interpreting what we observe. Electronic devices and machines can produce very reliable counts of participants while the fieldworkers can tabulate a specific behavior.
D. This is an incorrect answer because reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations decreases. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer as most of us draw on our own experiences and backgrounds in interpreting what we observe. Electronic devices and machines can produce very reliable counts of participants while the fieldworkers can tabulate a specific behavior.

Quiz 9: Section 2: Field Observation