A Brief Overview
The present chapter is intensely focused on survey research, questionnaires. It is divided into four main parts covering the topic in detail. The first part introduces the history of survey research and explains how surveys are used in research papers. The next section concentrates on the wording, organization, designing, and formatting of surveys. The third part describes how self-report surveys are organized and what are their advantages and disadvantages. The last section explains how Internet surveys are performed and describes their benefits and shortcomings.
Reading’s Summary
The author explains survey research uses it to investigate essential questions that the criminal justice system faces. The central aim of the survey is to document a respondent’s attitude, not behavior. A researcher should identify the research question and what data is required to answer it to construct a questionnaire. A variable list is one of the first steps that imply listing all variables connected to the research problem. Creating dummy tables, which is the second step, allows the researcher to see what type of data will be collected and what kind of analysis is required. Moreover, great attention should be paid to the use of language suitable for respondents involved, understanding of respondents, prevention of biased, leading, and objectional questions; what types of questions are employed (Hagan, 2002). Other essential steps include a pretest or a trial run to check the clarity of the questionnaire. Besides, it is vital to mention that the survey should start with the most attractive questions, and all other information (as personal data) that needs to be gathered should be left at the end.
The current chapter concentrates on mail surveys which is a frequently used instrument to conduct surveys due to its low cost and wide coverage of the target population. Moreover, mails surveys’ advantages include the absence of interviewer bias, privacy, quickly collected information, and a minimum number of staff required (Hagan, 2002). However, considerable disadvantages involve a high non-response rate, costly follow-up, slow response, and possible misunderstanding of the questions. Additionally, another critical assignment that implies matching numerical values to questionnaire items is coding. Another tool with which crime can be measured is self-report. In this kind of survey, a subject “is asked to admit to the commission of various delinquent and/or criminal acts” (Hagan, 2002, p. 123). Shortcomings of the instrument involve inaccurate reporting, preliminary research design, and the survey’s improper use. The advantages of self-report surveys include the accuracy and reliability of the information received.
Author’s Main Arguments and a Brief Critique
One of Hagan’s main arguments is that the survey method was underestimated by many researchers and was not considered a highly potential instrument for social science research. The author refutes this point of view by explaining different survey techniques and the kind of data they are suitable. Another argument that Hagan provides is the importance of understanding that surveys aim to measure people’s attitudes, not their behavior (Hagan, 2002). It is essential to highlight, as knowing the idea of surveys allows us to use them accurately.
Besides, Hagan admits the disadvantages of mail surveys by offering strategies to overcome it. They include follow-up, sponsorship, personalized, shortened, and attractive format, and right timing. Furthermore, the author proves the importance of self-report surveys for criminal justice researchers to provide accurate and reliable information. Lastly, Hagan emphasizes the significance of a pretest or trial run, which is an essential instrument for creating a well-structured survey (Hagan, 2002). Also, it should be said that the text is easy to read and comprehend, as it consists of enough examples and explanations of theoretical details. Moreover, the information is organized correctly, as many subsections allow to navigate in the text quickly.
Reference
Hagan, F. E. (2002). Introduction to criminology: Theories, methods, and criminal behavior. Wadsworth.