Learning Objectives

  • Describe how surveys are used in contemporary criminal justice research, the ways in which they are commonly administered, and the strengths and weaknesses associated with each delivery method.
  • Provide examples of some “principles” for developing good survey questions.
  • Compare different tactics for constructing good survey questionnaires, and highlight common pitfalls that should be avoided.
  • Evaluate why online surveys have grown in popularity in recent years, and articulate some of the challenges associated with using them.
  • Compare and contrast “confidentiality” and “anonymity” as it pertains to survey research.
  • Evaluate the ethical challenges researchers face when conducting surveys.