Deck 14: Researching Dealers and Smugglers

Question 1

Adler argues that investigative field research is the only way to

A) administer face-to-face surveys.
B) develop good stories as a journalist.
C) learn where to acquire high quality, illegal drugs.
D) acquire accurate knowledge about deviant behavior.

Answer 1

acquire accurate knowledge about deviant behavior.

Question 2

Adler describes the process of "getting in" as the researcher

A) becoming a "runner" for the drug organization.
B) becoming an accepted and trusted member of the subjects' social world.
C) learning the ropes as a new drug dealer.
D) gaining entrance to a restricted zone without necessary clearance.

Answer 2

becoming an accepted and trusted member of the subjects' social world.

Question 3

As Adler's account makes clear, the process of "getting in" may

A) be a matter of luck, as when their friendship with a neighbor turned out to be a connection to larger drug smuggling-dealing network.
B) involve writing to as many possible subjects as possible in hopes of gaining entry into their world.
C) involve careful planning and calculation and is almost never a matter of luck, as when the Adlers intentionally meet and cultivate their relation with a neighbor they know to be a dealer-smuggler.
D) require formal introductions through a network of contacts established through months of patient surveillance.

Answer 3

be a matter of luck, as when their friendship with a neighbor turned out to be a connection to larger drug smuggling-dealing network.

Question 4

Part of field research for the Adlers involved turning several key persons (for example, the Adlers' neighbor) involved in the illicit drug trade persons into

A) students because a college education is the only way out of this lifestyle.
B) drug smugglers-dealers to help collect more research data.
C) informants from which to collect life histories and to tape unstructured, in-depth interviews, as well as to acquire additional contacts and subjects.
D) sociological interviewers who can help to collect face-to-face, taped interviews.

Question 5

The Adlers point to the issue of building trust with their research subjects

A) as an important part of deciding whether or not to pursue research.
B) as an important factor in the transition from the overt to the covert role of researcher.
C) as the only solid basis for developing a strong friendship.
D) as an important factor in the transition from the covert to the overt role of researcher.

Question 6

"Cross-checking" is a useful method when collecting data about secret or hidden forms of deviance such as drug dealing that involves

A) ascertaining the logical validity and coherence of all data collected through quality spot-checks.
B) checking the reliability of interview data collected to ensure all sociological conclusions are based on independent, verified sources.
C) checking that whether all data collected has been taped and properly stored.
D) applying a careful secondary analysis of all previous sociological research on the topic.

Question 7

Adler identifies all of the following problems and issues in her field study EXCEPT

A) concerns about protecting interview tapes from harm or destruction.
B) assuming risks to personal safety while doing research.
C) issue of how to deal and smuggle drug without apprehension.
D) effects of drugs on interviews.

Question 8

Adler identifies all of the following issues and problems in her field study EXCEPT

A) concerns about the quality of drugs being smuggled.
B) ethical issues which generated guilt.
C) cultural clash between subjects and researchers.
D) fear of police arrest.

Question 9

Discuss the various roles and stages connected with participant observation and investigative field research, drawing on the Adler article. Do you agree that only research of this type can produce valid and reliable knowledge of social deviance? Why or why not?

Question 10

Discuss the major issues and problems Adler identifies as having been connected with her research. Which one or two do you find the most critical? Why?

Question 11

Identify and explain how the Adlers developed trust with their research participants. What are the challenges they identified in developing relationships of trust with participants on drugs and engaged in drug dealing?