Research Methods Used in Criminal Justice and Criminology
The researchers often prefer survey methods because they help gather more information from an extensive number of people. In a given study concerning older people’s experiences in their workplace, the researchers mailed written questionnaires to about 500 persons living in the state of Maine for about $1000, including many expenses. This is because visiting individuals would have been expensive (DeCarlo, 2021). In this case, it suffices to maintain that surveys are slightly cost-effective. However, it is crucial to note that since a section of persons could contend that they are flexible, especially because the researchers could ask numerous diverse questions on various topics, researchers conducting surveys are often confined to one instrument for collecting data, which is the questionnaire. As such, it implies that surveys are relatively inflexible.
When it comes to experimental research, it also has its merits. In this case, it gives us the chance to determine the cause and the effect interrelationship. The actual experiments are often designed based on descriptive research to determine the causes. Conversely, its negative impact is that they need plenty of control to isolate the variables that cause changes (Bachman & Schutt, 2013). In this case, with more control, the more it becomes artificial.
Lastly, when it comes to interviews, the advantage is that a vast number of persons can be quickly tested, given that it facilitates quantitative data. Also, it is convenient because it does not need the researcher’s presence. After all, the information gathered could be easily emailed. However, the disadvantages include that the people could not be telling the truth in the interviews concerning sensitive issues. Also, people could say what they deem to be good. In this case, it further distorts the information. Besides, the misinterpretation of questions in the interviews could also help get inaccurate information.
References
Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2013). The practice of research in criminology and criminal justice. Sage.
DeCarlo, M. (2021). 11.2 Strengths and weaknesses of survey research. https://bit.ly/
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Question 
Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations of the three general research methods (experiments,
Research Methods Used in Criminal Justice and Criminology
surveys, and participant observation and interviewing).