Deck 9: Section 2: Field Observation

Question 1

One of the chief goals of social science is generalization. _____ can be a problem for qualitative field research. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.

A) Validity
B) Dependability
C) Generalizability
D) Interpretation

Answer 1

C
Explanation:
A. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
B. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
C. The correct answer is "C" because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.
D. This is an incorrect answer because one of the chief goals of social science is generalization. Generalizability can be a problem for qualitative field research. If the observation depends in part on the individual observers, it is more valuable as a source of particular insight than as a general truth. The personal nature of the observations and measurements made by the researcher can produce results that will not necessarily be replicated by another independent researcher.

Question 2

In field research, validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things
Observed or people interviewed has been _____ captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.

A) Ineffectively
B) inaccurately
C) accurately
D) effectively

Answer 2

C
Explanation:
A. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
B. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
C. The correct answer is "C" because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.
D. This is an incorrect answer because in field research validity often refers to whether the intended meaning of the things observed or people interviewed has been accurately captured. Field research measurements-even in-depth ones-are also often very personal. Thus reliability is not one the major strengths of field research.

Question 3

Field research encompasses two different methods of obtaining data: 1) making direct observation and 2) asking questions.

Answer 3

True
Explanation:
This is true because making observations and asking questions makes filed research. Just asking questions will be survey research.

Question 4

Controlled probability sampling techniques are not usually possible in field research.
But in some circumstances, researchers can combine probability and nonprobability sampling. In practice, _____ sampling is seldom used in field research. Different types of purposive samples are much more common.

A) Non- probability
B) purposive probability
C) desired probability
D) controlled probability

Question 5

Photographs or videotapes cannot be used to make records of visual images such as a block of apartment buildings before and after some physical design change or to serve as a pretest for an experimental neighborhood cleanup campaign.

Question 6

Sampling in field research tends to be less complicated than in other kinds of research. In many types of field studies, researchers attempt to observe everything within their field of study; thus, in a sense, they do not sample at all.

Question 7

Field research results cannot be generalized as safely as those based on _____ and standardized questionnaires. Because field researchers generally get a full and in-depth view of their subject matter, they can reach an unusually comprehensive understanding. By its very comprehensiveness, however, this understanding is less generalizable than results based on rigorous sampling and standardized measurements.

A) rigorous sampling
B) non-probability sampling
C) purposive sampling
D) valid sampling

Question 8

A field observer using _____ is guided by instruments designed by presumably experienced and knowledgeable police researchers, as compared to an ethnographer who relies heavily his/her own judgment to make choices about what to observe and how to interpret it.

A) structured observation
B) unstructured observation
C) free observation
D) structured observation

Question 9

The _____ observes a location or process without becoming a part of it in any way. The subjects of study might not even realize they are being studied because of the researcher's unobtrusiveness. An individual making observations while sitting in a courtroom is an example.

A) complete observer
B) observer as participant
C) participant as observer
D) both participant and observer

Question 10

A great deal of criminal justice research is conducted using a combination of different data collection methods. Often field research is combined with surveys or data from official records. This is consistent with general advice about using _____ and data collection methods.

A) appropriate measures
B) appropriate measures
C) appropriate measures
D) appropriate measures

Question 11

Field research is especially effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for
Examining processes over time. For these reasons, the chief strength of this method is the depth of understanding it permits. Validity is usually a strength of field observation,
But _____ are sometimes weaknesses.

A) reliability and generalizability
B) reliability and flexibility
C) flexibility and generalizability
D) construct validity and generalizability

Question 12

The observer-as-participant identifies himself or herself as a researcher and interacts with the participants in the course of their routine activities but makes no pretense of actually being a _____.

A) researcher
B) observer
C) participant
D) both researcher and observer

Question 13

Field researchers need to always participate in what they are studying, because they usually will study it directly at the scene of the action.

Question 14

The methods selected for recording observations are directly related to issues of measurement, especially how _____. For example, if we are interested in policies to increase nighttime pedestrian traffic in some city, we might want to know why people do or do not go out at night and how many people stroll around
Different neighborhoods.

A) key concepts are discussed
B) key concepts are explained
C) key concepts are spelled out.
D) key concepts are operationalized

Question 15

The logic and power of probability sampling derive from statistical probability theory. A random and statistically representative sample permits confident generalization from a sample to a larger population. The logic and power of purposeful sampling lies in selecting _____ in depth.

A) information for study
B) information rich cases for study
C) information for non-probability samples
D) information for purposeful sampling

Question 16

Field observation involves making initial observations, developing tentative general conclusions that suggest further observations, making those observations, revising the prior conclusions.

Question 17

Different situations require different roles for researchers. Field researchers rely on their understanding of the situation, their judgment, and their experience. In making a decision, researchers must be guided by both _____ considerations. Both of these often conflict.

A) methodological and sampling
B) ethical and experimental
C) methodological and observational
D) methodological and ethical*

Question 18

The reliability of quantitative field studies can be enhanced by careful attention to the details of observation. In a more general sense, reliability will increase as the degree of interpretation required in making actual observations _____. Participant observation or unstructured interviews may require a considerable degree of interpretation on the part of the observer.

A) decreases
B) increases
C) remains the same
D) stabilizes