Field Research

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Field Research

• Dr. Guerette

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Field Research

• The use of qualitative and quantitative
  techniques are introduced and the role they play
  in field research is discussed.
• Appropriate topics include
• When the area of research interest is best
  studied in the natural setting
• E.g. gang initiations and/or lifestyles
  organized crime smuggling street drug or
  prostitution markets.

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Roles of the Observer

• Complete Observer
• The researcher merely observes from some location
  without becoming part of what is being studied.
• Observer-as-participant
• The researcher identifies himself or herself as a
  researcher and generally interacts with the
  subjects but does not pretend to be a full
  participant.

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Roles of the Observer

• Participant-as-observer
• The researcher participates with the group under
  study and also tells the subjects that research
  is being conducted.
• Complete participant
• In this role, which is rarely assumed, the
  researcher is a full participant with the group
  under study.

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Roles of the Observer
Complete Observer
Complete Participant
Participant-as-Observer
Observer-as-Participant
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Supplementing Observations

• Can ask questions to inform field based
  observations through the use of
• Structured interviews
• Unstructured interviews

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Gaining Access to Subjects

• Access to formal organizations
• Since CJ agencies frequently fall into this
  category, formal procedures are often required.
• Find a sponsor who is known and respected by
  those in administrative positions within the
  organization.
• Send letter to director referencing the sponsor.
• Telephone to discuss.
• Meet with to finalize.

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Gaining Access to Subjects

• Access to Subcultures
• Identify an informant
• Have informant assist you in access to the
  subculture by means of introductions to those who
  can help and/or become subjects.

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Selecting Cases for Observation

• Snowball sampling asking for referrals.
• Purposive sampling selectively seeking
  interviews/access to specific members or
  individuals.

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Recording Observations

• Numerous methods are available including
• Videotapes
• Audio taping
• Automated devices
• Photographs
• Field notes (can involve structured observations).

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Linking Field Data with Other Data

• It may be necessary and can strengthen field
  based findings to augment with surveys or
  official written records.

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Examples of Field Based Research

• Shoplifting
• How many people wear seat belts?
• Bars and violence
• Racial profiling by police

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Strengths Weaknesses of Field Research

• Weak on reliability
• Weak on generalizability
• Strong on validity