©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Types of Data  Primary – Facts and observations that researchers gather for the purposes of a study.  Secondary – Data that was collected previously for a different investigation or from government sources. Could be from Police, Courts, Corrections and Stats Canada. LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Methods of Collecting Crime Data 1. Survey Research 2. Experiments 3. Participant/Non- Participant Observation 4. Case Studies *Method chosen depends on questions to be answered and could include a mixed method. LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.Surveys  The systematic collection of respondents’ answers to questions asked in questionnaires or interviews (face-to-face or by telephone).  Generally used to gather information about attitudes, characteristics or behaviours.  Population  Sample  Random sample LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Experiments  Used in physical, biological and social sciences.  An investigator introduces a change (variable) into a process and makes measurements or observations in order to evaluate the effects of the change.  Scientists test hypotheses about how two or more variables (factors that may change) are related.  Most experiments are conducted in laboratories.  Field experiments are conducted in real world settings. LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Qualitative and Quantitative Research  Qualitative – Used to study topics where there is little known about the topic. Participant and non- participant observation are qualitative in nature.  Quantitative – Numerical data gathered by government agencies and researchers resulting in tables, figures and statistical summaries. LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Participant and Non-Participant Observation  Researchers use methods that provide detailed descriptions of life as it is actually lived.  Observation is the most direct means of studying behaviour qualitatively.  Participant observation: The researcher may join and participate in the activities of the group being studied.  Non-participant observation: The researcher observes the group being studied but is not a participant in the activities. LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Case Studies  Qualitative in nature.  An analysis of all pertinent aspects of one unit of study, such as an individual, an institution, a group, or a community.  Sources of information may be life histories, biographies, diaries, journals, letters, and other records. Ex. Sutherland’s “The Professional Thief’” Ex. Sutherland’s “The Professional Thief’” LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Methods AdvantagesSurveys  Cost-effective  Far reach  Anonymity Experiments  Can infer causality Participant Observation  Real look at subjects Case Studies  Detail Secondary data  Cost-effective DisadvantagesSurveys  Low response rate  Cannot probe  Cause and effect difficult to establish Experiments  Contrived lab setting, but field expensive! Participant Observation  Dangerous; difficult to gain entry Case Studies  Time-consuming; not generalizable Secondary data  Depending on others for data; different goals when data collected LO2

©2012 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. Ethics in Research  Criminologists encounter many ethical issues.  Ethics review committees are charged with the duty of reviewing proposals to ensure protection of human subjects.  Guidelines outlined in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Respect for human dignity Respect for human dignity Respect for vulnerable persons Respect for vulnerable persons Free and informed consent Free and informed consent Privacy and confidentiality Privacy and confidentiality Justice and inclusiveness Justice and inclusiveness LO2