Discussion

Discussion 6. This module contains reading materials from Chapters 9 and 10. Because the subject matters are covered in two different chapters, you have the option to choose which chapter’s questions you would like to answer. You also have the option to answer questions from both chapters.
Questions from Chapter 9
For this discussion, explain the difference between the various roles of the observer in field observation research. Provide an example that would be appropriate for each role. What are the strengths and weaknesses of field observation? Give specific attention to the issues of validity, reliability, and generalizability.
Review the box titled “Conducting a Safety Audit” on pages 241-242 of the text. Use a college campus, office building, or area you are familiar with to design a site visit using field observation. Describe your field procedures, recording methods, and the items to be recorded during your observations.
Questions from Chapter 10
For this discussion, identify at least two different types of agencies where records would be important in the criminal justice system. Discuss the types of published statistics each agency would produce. What are the specific reliability and validity problems with each? What is secondary data analysis? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this type of analysis and give an example of each aspect. Assuming that you are the crime analyst of the gang unit in the police department, describe how you would plan a scientific content analysis of graffiti and symbols. Your answers should include objectives of the analysis, units of analysis, sampling selection of cases, and coding of contents.
Main Post: All main posts should adequately and concisely answer the topic question(s) completely with a minimum of 200 words.