Read the following chapters in the textbook, Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Chapter 2, "Ethics in Criminal Justice Research"
Chapter 7, "Participant Observation and Case Studies"
Navigate to the threaded discussion below and respond to the following discussion prompts:
Identify and post one criminal justice topic for which you personally would have difficulty being objective. Explain in detail why you would find it difficult to maintain an objective view of this topic. What factors influence your objectivity? (At the time you post, the topic you discuss should not have already been introduced by others in the forum.)
As an objective researcher, what steps could you take to approach this topic objectively?
What techniques are available to keep one's own opinion at bay when it comes to researching topics in criminal justice that may evoke deep-seated passion?
Develop an informed argument (of at least one full paragraph) that takes a stand opposite to your personal opinion concerning the issue you identified. Include at least one properly cited APA citation that defends this position.
Important: Focus your comments on how or why it is important for researchers to avoid bias by letting the data speak for itself. Avoid bias and don't get off track by debating the criminal justice issues.
Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop, and must be a minimum of one paragraph in length.
Read and respond to at least two of your classmates' postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.