CRIM 220 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Inter-Rater Reliability, Ted Conover, Prison Officer
14 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Field research is often associated with qualitative techniques, although many other applications are possible. Effective for studying the subtle nuances of behavior and for examining processes over time. Observations are the most appropriate for obtaining information about physical/social settings, behaviors, and events. Qualitative field research is often a theory/hypothesis-generating activity. Researchers do not have precisely defined hypotheses to be tested. May be used to make sense out of an ongoing process that cannot be predicted in advance. Involves making initial observations, developing tentative general conclusions that suggest further observations, making observations, revising conclusions etc. Quantitative data can be used to test hypotheses or evaluate policy innovations. Researchers: more concerned with making generalizations and then using systematic field research techniques to support those generalizations. When conditions/behaviour must be studied in natural settings, field research is usually the best approach. Appropriate to research topics that appear to defy simple quantification.
