Question 1

The Department of Justice evaluates "what works" in criminology and criminal justice on the assumption that it makes little sense to continue to invest in programs that do not work. This describes ______.
A) scared straight
B) uniform crime report
C) evidence-based research
D) hands-on research

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices using empirical evidence to determine what works, ensuring that investments are made in interventions that have been proven to be effective.

Question 2

Which of the following sources of data includes detailed information on criminal incidents, including location, time, and presence of weapon?
A) UCR
B) NCVS
C) NIBRS
D) DSM-V

Accepted Answer

NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) provides detailed information on criminal incidents, including specifics such as location, time, and whether a weapon was present, offering a comprehensive view of crime incidents.

Question 3

When conducting research with human participants, criminologists must develop a system of mutual trust and obligation between the researcher and subject. This is referred to as ______.
A) reliability
B) objectivity
C) validity
D) reciprocity

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity in research refers to the establishment of a mutual trust and obligation between the researcher and the participant. This concept emphasizes the importance of a give-and-take relationship, where both parties benefit from the research process.

Question 4

A criminologist wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the socialization process of a state police academy. Which of the following methods would be the most appropriate method for obtaining such an understanding?
A) using existing sources of official data
B) distributing self-report surveys
C) running an experiment under laboratory conditions
D) engaging in participant observation

Accepted Answer

Participant observation allows the criminologist to immerse themselves in the environment and culture of the state police academy, providing an in-depth understanding of the socialization process through firsthand experience and observation.

Question 5

Participant observation procedures include all of the following except ______.
A) avoid using tape recorders and other gadgets
B) keep your eyes and ears open
C) use surveys and questionnaires
D) do not pretend to be one of them

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is a qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the environment of their subjects, observing and participating in their activities to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and social interactions. Using surveys and questionnaires is not typically associated with participant observation, as this method relies more on direct observation and interaction rather than structured data collection tools. Choices A, B, and D are more aligned with the principles of participant observation, emphasizing natural observation and interaction without relying heavily on technology or disguising oneself as a member of the group.

Question 6

A criminologist wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the subculture of a street gang in a particular city. Which of the following methods would be the most appropriate method for obtaining such an understanding?
A) using existing sources of official data
B) distributing self-report surveys
C) running an experiment under laboratory conditions
D) engaging in participant observation

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is the most appropriate method for gaining an in-depth understanding of a subculture, such as a street gang, because it allows the researcher to observe and participate in the daily life and activities of the group being studied. This method provides rich, detailed insights that other methods may not capture.

Question 7

Which of the following is true of participant observation in the field of criminology?
A) The researcher should carefully conceal his or her real identity and pretend to be part of the group being studied.
B) Tape recorders should be used in the field to ensure accuracy of data.
C) Participant observation is a valuable methodology for studying groups that have historically been little-understood.
D) Participant observation is a good way of obtaining quantitative data on various criminal phenomena.

Accepted Answer

Participant observation is particularly valuable in criminology for studying groups that are otherwise difficult to understand due to their secretive or illegal nature. This method allows researchers to gain insights from within the group, leading to a deeper understanding of the behaviors, motivations, and dynamics of such groups. Options A, B, and D have limitations or inaccuracies: A) Ethical considerations often require researchers to disclose their identity; B) Using tape recorders can be impractical or unethical without consent; D) Participant observation is more suited to qualitative than quantitative data collection.

Question 8

A criminologist visits the Library of Congress to analyze letters and political correspondence of Martin Luther King, Jr. This research method is which of the following?
A) life history
B) simulation
C) trace analysis
D) simple observation

Accepted Answer

The answer of A criminologist visits the Library of Congress...

Question 9

A criminologist decides to study the way in which violent crime is portrayed in newspaper headlines. This type of research is known as ______.
A) media survey
B) content analysis
C) simulation
D) secondary analysis

Accepted Answer

Content analysis is a research method used to systematically analyze the content of communication, such as newspaper headlines, to study how violent crime is portrayed.

Question 10

A criminologist decides to compile what is currently known about domestic violence; the criminologist does this by analyzing the data collected in a number of previous studies on the topic. This type of research is known as ______.
A) content analysis
B) media survey
C) participant observation
D) secondary analysis

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D) secondary analysis because this type of research involves analyzing data that has been collected by someone else, rather than collecting new data. In this scenario, the criminologist is examining and compiling data from previous studies, which is a classic example of secondary analysis.

Question 11

A criminologist secretly studies groups by temporarily deceiving them as to his or her real purpose. Which research method does this describe?
A) participant observation
B) disguised observation
C) ethnography
D) simulation

Accepted Answer

Disguised observation involves the researcher observing subjects without their knowledge, often to avoid altering their behavior if they knew they were being studied. This method is used in various fields, including criminology, to gain authentic insights into the behaviors and practices of individuals or groups.

Question 12

A criminologist decides to study marijuana use among college students. To do this, the criminologist conducts a survey of the students, reviews police records of drug offenses near the campus, and engages in participant observation. Overall, this approach is representative of which of the following?
A) simulation
B) secondary analysis
C) triangulation
D) unobtrusive measures

Accepted Answer

Triangulation involves using multiple methods or data sources in qualitative research to develop a comprehensive understanding of phenomena. In this case, the criminologist uses surveys, police records, and participant observation, which are different methods to study the same issue, thus exemplifying triangulation.

Question 13

Methodology involves the collection and analysis of accurate data or facts.

Accepted Answer

Methodology refers to the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. Essentially, it involves the collection and analysis of accurate data or facts to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings of a research or study.

Question 14

Theories involve attempts to develop reasonable explanations of reality.

Accepted Answer

Theories are indeed attempts to develop reasonable explanations of reality, as they are structured sets of concepts and propositions designed to organize, explain, and predict phenomena.

Question 15

A basic tenet of scientific research is that researchers attempt to maintain subjectivity.

Accepted Answer

A basic tenet of scientific research is that researchers attempt to maintain objectivity, not subjectivity, to ensure that their findings are unbiased and based on evidence.

Question 16

Researchers should properly acknowledge the work of others.

Accepted Answer

Properly acknowledging the work of others is essential in research to maintain academic integrity, give credit where it's due, and avoid plagiarism.

Question 17

Criminologists do not have to consider social injustices such as discrimination, oppression, or harassment when they conduct their work.

Accepted Answer

Criminologists must consider social injustices such as discrimination, oppression, or harassment, as these factors can significantly influence crime rates, the criminal justice system, and the overall understanding of criminal behavior within society.

Question 18

Human subjects have the right to confidentiality.

Accepted Answer

Human subjects have the right to confidentiality to protect their privacy and personal information during and after the completion of research studies.

Question 19

Researchers may misuse their positions as fraudulent pretext for gathering information as long as they fully report their findings.

Accepted Answer

Researchers are ethically obligated to conduct their work honestly and must not misuse their positions or engage in fraudulent activities, regardless of their intention to fully report findings.

Question 20

Criminology's subject matter is concerned with human behavior but not attitudes.

Accepted Answer

Criminology studies both human behavior and attitudes as they relate to crime, including the motivations and societal influences behind criminal actions.

Quiz 2: Research Methods in Criminology

The Department of Justice evaluates "what works" in criminology and criminal justice on the assumption that it makes little sense to continue to invest in programs that do not work. This describes ______.

Which of the following sources of data includes detailed information on criminal incidents, including location, time, and presence of weapon?

When conducting research with human participants, criminologists must develop a system of mutual trust and obligation between the researcher and subject. This is referred to as ______.

A criminologist wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the socialization process of a state police academy. Which of the following methods would be the most appropriate method for obtaining such an understanding?

Participant observation procedures include all of the following except ______.

A criminologist wants to gain an in-depth understanding of the subculture of a street gang in a particular city. Which of the following methods would be the most appropriate method for obtaining such an understanding?

Which of the following is true of participant observation in the field of criminology?

A criminologist visits the Library of Congress to analyze letters and political correspondence of Martin Luther King, Jr. This research method is which of the following?

A criminologist decides to study the way in which violent crime is portrayed in newspaper headlines. This type of research is known as ______.

A criminologist decides to compile what is currently known about domestic violence; the criminologist does this by analyzing the data collected in a number of previous studies on the topic. This type of research is known as ______.

A criminologist secretly studies groups by temporarily deceiving them as to his or her real purpose. Which research method does this describe?