The research proposal titled “causes and prevention of criminal behavior in youth” the researcher intends to use the survey methods to collect data in alignment with the various aspects of the study. The survey method is a popular instrument in various studies, particularly targeting a large population. My study will utilize the two major types of surveys, which include interviews and questionnaires.
The survey method has been documented as the best data collection instrument for community-based research, particularly in gathering information that relate to the existing conditions, characteristics of a population, and the opinion of the population or community (Survey research, n.d.). For this study, the intention is to gather information that aligns with criminal conduct among the youths as well as measures that can be utilized in preventing such conduct. The opinion of the youth and the community at large will be of importance in enabling accurate conclusions about the current conditions as well as the future prospects.
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In the study of the “causes and prevention of criminal behavior in youth,” the researcher will use closed-ended questions, for both the questionnaires and interviews, to ease the analysis and interpretation section. The main reason for utilizing closed-ended questions is to ensure the consistency of data collected. The main advantage of questionnaires and interviews is that they both save time as the researcher asks the questions directly and gets an instant answer from the respondent. This is unlike observing the participants in a specific context to make conclusions about their behavior. In addition, the researcher has a chance to seek information about the past in alignment with the changes that may have taken place over time (Dahlberg, Toal, Swahn & Behrens, 2005).
Other advantages of closed-ended questionnaires and interviews and which led to the researcher’s choice include the ease in comparing the responses of the participants, the ease of coding and analyzing statistically, and the ease of replication. In connection to the researcher’s target population, close-ended questions reduce chances of confusing the respondent thus ensuring the relevancy of the information gathered. They are also the best means through which one can get answers on sensitive issues (University of Waterloo, n.d.). For instance, the study to be conducted in alignment with criminal conduct may involve a search for information about the participants’ engagement in some of the respective behaviors. For instance, the question of whether one has ever engaged in drug trafficking may be a difficult one to a respondent if asked in an open-ended manner. However, it becomes easier when the researcher offers the options of either a “Yes” or “No” without seeking further details about the same
The validity and reliability of a survey as a data collection instrument is founded on the fact that a researcher can seek information regarding specific behaviors and attitudes of the target population. For this study, the researcher intends to conduct a pretest study in a bid to test the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. The researcher will devise a few questions and then sample some individuals from the target group to know whether the tools meet the needs of the research. The respondents’ approach and final answer to the close-ended questions as evidenced in the pretest questionnaires and interviews will be a determinant of whether the researcher will be well-positioned in utilizing such tools in gathering information. Any changes that may improve the reliability or validity of the instrument will be made after the pretest study. The researcher, however, anticipates that the tools will emerge superior in relation to other options since the survey method has extensively been utilized in other behavioral studies and is further suggested by other researchers, such as Dahlberg et al (2005), as the means of gaining insights into the conduct, perceptions, and attitudes of community members.
References
Dahlberg, L. L., Toal, S. B., Swahn, M. & Behrens, C. B. (2005). Measuring violence-related attitudes, behaviors, and influences among youths: A compendium of assessment tools (2 nd ed.). Atlanta GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
Survey Research (n.d.) Community-based research: A handbook for native Americans. Retrieved from http://www.books.aisc.ucla.edu
University of Waterloo (n.d.). Advantages and disadvantages of open and closed questions. Retrieved from http://environment.uwaterloo.ca
