Description of Research Project #2
CRJ 261 Spring, 1998
Burnham 209; Tues., Thurs., 12:30-1:45
**** DUE APRIL 28, 1998 ****
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Pick a topic or situation that is directly or indirectly related to deviance, conformity and the maintenance of order in society (deviant behaviors, law enforcement, informal norms and sanctioning, leadership, socialization, etc.)
2. Pick a social setting that would be appropriate for an extended observation. This could be a waiting room in a social service agency, a lobby in a public area (e.g., Union Station, "L" station, State of Illinois Building, Daly Plaza), a courtroom, a police department, or somewhere on campus. You should not select a location where you would interfere with the normal routine of events or where you would be unwanted.
3. Prepare an observation protocol and or coding sheet. This should assist you in making notes based on what you observe that are pertinent to your research topic. It can be as simple as a blank page with words and phrases to remind you what you should be coding, with separate boxes for note taking, or an observational checklist with very specific topics and codes. Review this with the instructor.
4. Conduct your observations. Collect your observational data at your selected setting. Prepare extensive (descriptive) field notes that document the date, time, place, and length of time you conducted observations, in addition to your actual observations. This may require one or more visits to obtain the necessary information. You should spend at least 8 hours in the field, but this will vary depending on the types of settings and behaviors being observed. The quality of your data will speak for itself in your report.
5. Analyze your data. Analyze your field notes to identify patterns and gain insights into the social processes at work. Perform an inductive analysis in which patterns, themes, and categories of behavior emerge from your data. DO NOT try to impose or test hypotheses developed prior to your observations. Although you started with a topic, you should not collect data with preconceived notions about what will or should happen in the situation you observe. You may discover some "indigenous" (natural and particular to the setting) concepts and typologies from an analysis of your data.
6. Prepare a research report. It should be typed, double-spaced, and titled "CRJ 261 RESEARCH PROJECT 2," with the following sections:
A. Describe the topic and situation you set out to observe. What social or criminal justice issues did it relate to? Why did you choose it? Why is it interesting or important?
B. Describe the observational setting. Where was it? Where were you in relation to the setting? Who was present? Be conscious of the physical environment, the people present. Where were you in relation to the others present? How conspicuous or inconspicuous were you? Did you feel you influenced behaviors in any way?
C. Describe the results of your analysis of your field notes. Describe any patterns of behavior you observed, and any insights gained regarding the topic and situation you selected. Be specific about actors, roles, interactions, conflicts, outcomes, etc. Did you have any sense that the physical environment influence or constrained social behavior in any way? Use excerpts and data from your field notes to support your conclusions, generalizations, or interpretations. Consider whether the collection of additional data or additional types of data would strengthen this research.
D. Attach your hand written or typed field notes, indicating the times, dates, and locations of your observations at the top of each page.
THIS PROJECT IS DUE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 28!!!