Research Methods in Criminal Justice Module 4 Worksheet
Student Name: _______________________________________________________
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:
- Identify and describe the one best method to collect information for the scenarios. (Choices cannot be used more than once.)
- 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? ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Research Methods in Criminal Justice