Untitled Deck

Question 1

What is the scientific method as described in the Wallace Wheel?

Answer 1

• Theory
• Hypothesis
• Observation
• Generalization

The scientific method outlines a systematic approach to research and inquiry.

Question 2

Define hypothesis in the context of the scientific method.

Answer 2

A specific, testable prediction about relationships between variables

Hypotheses are essential for guiding research and experimentation.

Question 3

What are the two main approaches to the scientific method?

Answer 3

• Deductive approach
• Inductive approach

These approaches differ in their starting points and methodologies.

Question 4

In the deductive approach, what is the order of steps?

Answer 4

• Theory → Hypothesis → Data

This approach is common in quantitative research.

Question 5

What is the focus of qualitative research?

Answer 5

• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Content analysis
• Field research

Qualitative research seeks to understand deeper meanings and patterns.

Question 6

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Answer 6

• Basic: builds theory, expands knowledge
• Applied: solves real-world problems

Basic research is knowledge-driven, while applied research focuses on practical problem-solving.

Question 7

What are the four purposes of research?

Answer 7

• Exploration
• Description
• Explanation
• Application

Each purpose serves a different aspect of understanding and utilizing research findings.

Question 8

List the steps in the research process using the deductive approach.

Answer 8

• Conceptualize
• Develop Theory → Hypothesis
• Choose Method
• Operationalize
• Sampling
• Observation
• Analysis
• Application/Dissemination

These steps guide researchers from question formulation to application of findings.

Question 9

What are the key elements of research ethics?

Answer 9

• Minimal harm
• Voluntary participation
• Informed consent
• Anonymity
• Confidentiality

Ethical considerations are crucial to protect participants in research.

Question 10

True or false: Informed consent means participants must fully understand the research before agreeing to participate.

Answer 10

TRUE

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in research.

Question 11

What is the difference between anonymity and confidentiality in research?

Answer 11

• Anonymity: researcher cannot identify participants
• Confidentiality: researcher knows identities but will not disclose them

Both concepts are essential for protecting participant privacy.

Question 12

What is the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)?

Answer 12

Evaluate research proposals to protect human participants

IRBs ensure ethical compliance and minimize risk in research.

Question 13

Define independent variable (IV).

Answer 13

Cause, predictor

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 14

Define dependent variable (DV).

Answer 14

Effect, outcome

The dependent variable is measured to assess the impact of the independent variable.

Question 15

What are the three conditions required for causation?

Answer 15

• Correlation
• Time order
• Non-spuriousness

These conditions must be met to establish a causal relationship.

Question 16

What is the classical experiment known for?

Answer 16

The strongest research design for establishing causation

It involves random assignment, pretesting, and posttesting.

Question 17

What is the purpose of operationalization in research?

Answer 17

Turn abstract concepts into measurable variables

Operationalization is crucial for effective data collection and analysis.

Question 18

List the levels of measurement.

Answer 18

• Nominal
• Ordinal
• Interval
• Ratio

Each level has different properties and implications for data analysis.

Question 19

What does reliability in measurement refer to?

Answer 19

Consistency of results

Reliable measurements yield the same results under consistent conditions.

Question 20

What does validity in measurement refer to?

Answer 20

Accuracy of measurement

Valid measurements accurately reflect the concept being studied.

Question 21

What is the Crime Severity Index (CSI)?

Answer 21

Measures police-reported crime in Canada by accounting for both how many crimes occur and how serious they are

The CSI provides a more nuanced understanding of crime trends.

Question 22

Define population in research.

Answer 22

The entire group that you want to draw conclusions about

Understanding the population is essential for effective sampling.

Question 23

What is sampling bias?

Answer 23

Occurs when the sample does not represent the population

Bias can threaten the validity of research findings.

Question 24

What is probability sampling?

Answer 24

A method where every member of the population has a known, usually equal chance of being selected

This method enhances the representativeness of the sample.

Question 25

What is **convenience sampling**?

Answer 25

Use whoever is easily available ## Footnote This method can lead to non-representative samples.

Question 26

What are the three types of **surveys**?

Answer 26

* Structured * Unstructured * Semi-structured ## Footnote Each type serves different research needs and data collection strategies.

Question 27

What is a **leading question** in survey design?

Answer 27

A question that suggests a particular answer ## Footnote Leading questions can bias survey results.

Question 28

What is the importance of **question order** in surveys?

Answer 28

Early questions can affect later responses ## Footnote Careful ordering helps mitigate response bias.

Question 29

What are the key considerations for ensuring **reliability** in survey construction?

Answer 29

* Low reliability * Structured observation forms * Environmental surveys * Multiple observers or technological recording ## Footnote Reliability refers to how consistent the results are across different situations and observers.

Question 30

What are the **issues** related to **validity** in field research?

Answer 30

* Participants may change behavior due to observation (reactivity) * High validity reflects real behavior * Deep understanding of social processes ## Footnote Validity assesses how accurate or true the results are in reflecting real-life situations.

Question 31

What are the **types of interviews** used in qualitative research?

Answer 31

* Structured * Semi-structured * Unstructured ## Footnote Each type varies in depth and flexibility, affecting how responses are gathered.

Question 32

What are the **benefits** of **in-person surveys**?

Answer 32

* Flexible format/length * High response rate * Multimedia use * Observe participants * Probe for more info ## Footnote In-person surveys allow for interaction and can help clarify misunderstandings.

Question 33

What are the **limitations** of **computer-assisted surveys (CASI)**?

Answer 33

* Higher upfront costs * Technical issues ## Footnote CASI enhances privacy and reduces social desirability bias but may face challenges in implementation.

Question 34

What does **field research** involve?

Answer 34

* Systematic study of people and behaviors * Direct observation and interaction * Contextual understanding of real-life processes ## Footnote Field research is often used in criminology to study behaviors that are hard to self-report.

Question 35

What is the purpose of **program evaluation**?

Answer 35

* Assess progress (process) * Assess impact (outcomes) ## Footnote Program evaluation informs decisions about the effectiveness and future implementation of interventions.

Question 36

What are the **steps** in conducting a **systematic review**?

Answer 36

* Define question * Set criteria * Search literature * Screen * Code * Analyze ## Footnote A systematic review synthesizes large bodies of research on a focused question.

Question 37

What are the **strengths** of **content analysis**?

Answer 37

* Inexpensive * Historical insight * Qualitative + quantitative * Good for trends ## Footnote Content analysis systematically examines communication to identify patterns and themes.

Question 38

What are the **weaknesses** of **secondary data analysis**?

Answer 38

* May not fit research question * Missing variables * No control over original design ## Footnote Secondary data analysis uses data collected by others for different purposes.

Question 39

What is the **definition** of **ethnography**?

Answer 39

Immersing in a community or organization ## Footnote Ethnography allows researchers to gain deep insights into social dynamics and behaviors.

Question 40

What are the **roles of the observer** in field research?

Answer 40

* Complete participant * Participant as observer * Observer as participant * Complete observer ## Footnote Each role varies in terms of participation and interaction with the subjects being studied.

Question 41

What is the **goal** of **applied research**?

Answer 41

Solve practical social problems and improve policy outcomes ## Footnote Applied research focuses on real-world decision-making and informs agencies directly.

Question 42

What are the **strengths** of **simulation** in research?

Answer 42

* Ethical access to otherwise impossible situations * Safe observation of rare events ## Footnote Simulations allow researchers to study behaviors in controlled environments.

Question 43

What is the **definition** of **evidence-based policy**?

Answer 43

Criminal justice decisions grounded in rigorous research evidence ## Footnote Evidence-based policy aims to reduce political or emotional decision-making in criminal justice.

Question 44

What are the **key components** of a **logic model**?

Answer 44

* Inputs * Activities * Outputs * Impacts * Outcomes ## Footnote Logic models help map the structure of a program and guide evaluation.

Question 45

What are the **types of survey distribution**?

Answer 45

* In-person * Computer-assisted (CASI) * Phone * Self-administered ## Footnote Each method has its own benefits and limitations regarding response rates and biases.