Criminology Research Methods Course Materials

Sample Test for Research Methods Multiple Choice: 1) All the following are criteria for causality in the social sciences EXCEPT: a) Cause preceding effect in time b) Variables need to be correlated c) The effect is always the same in every situation d) The effect cannot be explained by the influence of a third variable 2) Which of the following represents the level of measurement that is based on a true zero point? a) Interval b) Nominal c) Ratio d) Ordinal 3) Reliability can be assessed in the following ways EXCEPT: a) Test-retest b) Comparing multiple measures c) Split-half d) Inter-rater testing

True and False: 4) The only risks that one has to consider when thinking of conducting research are the possible risks to subjects in the study. TRUE FALSE—a research has to consider both the risks to the subjects being studied (i.e., IRB) and the possible risks to the researcher themselves. 5) ALL research is best conducted by obtaining numerical values and statistically analyzing these to be able to generalize findings. TRUE FALSE—ALL research is not best conducted quantitatively and neither is all research best conducted qualitatively. Some research is better suited to one method versus the other or to a mixed method approach. One needs to understand what they want to study and the data they wish to collect and decide upon a method (or methods) that would best suit these goals. 6) A panel study is an example of a study that has a time dimension and is conducted at more than one point in time.

17

TRUE—Panel studies study the same set of people at two or more times and is similar to trend and cohort studies which are also examples of time dimension studies. FALSE

Essay: Within the field of criminology, many researchers conduct research using the data collection method of field research. Describe what field research is and a possible study that could be conducted through field research and the subjects involved. Within this study, describe your role as researcher, the strengths and weaknesses of this role and any possible risks associated with the study, the role and field research in general. Giving a definition of field research (2 points) Description a study that could be conducted using field research and why field research is a good method for gathering data (4 points) Discussion of the research role picked for the study described (i.e., participant, participantobervser, etc.) (4 points) Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses associated of the role chosen for the particular study (4 points) Discussion of the risks of conducting field research, particularly with this study and the role chosen (6 points)

18