1. Survey Research

2. Examples of your survey questions • People are inherently good and therefore have the ability to want to change their ways and be a functioning member of society • SA, D, A, SA • Offenders should not be incapacitated after committing a crime • AS, D, A, SA • How effective do you feel incapacitation is for offenders? • 1 (not effective at all) to 5 (very effective)

3. Survey Basics • Definition of “survey” research • Types of survey research • Self-administered • Paper/pencil, internet (email)… • Interview • Phone, in-person

4. Rules of Engagement • statement vs. question • closed vs. open • Good closed-ended questions = mutually exclusive and exhaustive • Some exceptions here • Avoid “double-barreled questions” • Shorter is better • Avoid negative items • Avoid Bias • Global questions vs. specific • MUST BE CLEAR (meaning of “Native Americans”) • Should be relevant

5. Questionnaire construction • General Formatting • DON’T SQUISH! • Contingency questions (why use, how use) • Matrix questions (upside/downside) • Ordering items • Instructions • ALWAYS PRE-TEST (best way to find errors)

6. Self-administered surveys • Methods • Administer to group • Mail survey • How to increase response rates (why key issue?) • Acceptable response rate? + Can you show whether there is bais? • Dillman “Total design method” • The devil is in the details • Bulk vs. stamps • FOLLOW UP MAILINGS

7. Interviews • In person • Upside • Response rates, fewer skipped questions, interviewers can observer and record other stuff… • Downside • Interviewer bias • Telephone • Upside • Efficient, most have phone, personal safety, control over data collection… • Downside? • The “CATI” system

8. The internet as a way to survey • Largest Objection? • Access • Bias • Still legitimate uses • Survey users of certain types of pages

9. Review of Survey Methods • Self-Administered • Mail, large groups, internet • Benefits? • Interview • Phone • In-Person • Benefits?

10. Surveys vs. Other Research Methods • Strengths • Large sample size • Flexibility • RELIABILITY • Weaknesses • Standardization (superficial?) • Cannot usually change/adapt during study • Validity

11. Secondary Data Analysis • Definition • Capitalize on other people’s survey research • Some surveys started for the sole purpose of secondary research (NYS, NLSY, GSS) • Possible use for UROP and/or 3155 project • Examples • ICPSR • Other repositories • GSS data

12. Meta-analysis • The analysis of others analyses • Collect individual research studies • A “Quantitative” review of literature • Examples • Predictors of correctional officer attitudes and intentions to quit • Does rehabilitation reduce offending? What types of rehabilitation programs have the largest effect on crime?