Qualitative Field Research
Strengths
Qualitative field research is beneficial given that it is primarily utilized to explore real issues affecting the society (Khan, 2011). The technique permits the investigators to acquire primary knowledge as well as responses from real respondents in regard to the issue being investigated. This, therefore, implies that unlike other techniques the researcher has the opportunity of acquiring maximum information which is accurate and reliable (Khan, 2011). In addition, Qualitative field study technique is essential for understanding social setting responsibility in modeling individual’s familiarities and lives (Bachman & Schutt, 2017). In that, it creates greater comprehension of social complexities which might be useful in uncovering issues that one might not be aware.
Limitations
On the other hand, a qualitative field study is also associated with some weaknesses. In that, despite the fact that it is characterized by detailed data it is time-consuming because the researcher is forced to conduct the investigation and acquire responses from as most individuals as possible in order to develop an identical pattern (Khan, 2011). In addition, the technique is more prone to bias and inaccuracy given that the research can choose to eliminate certain responses by perceiving them to be irrelevant (Khan, 2011).
Two Examples of Research Questions
Research questions
- Is Capital Punishment Justified?
- Is capital punishment discriminatory and does it lead to crime and sentencing disparity?
In my opinion, in reference to criminal justice, the topic that could be tested using qualitative field research is capital punishment. Death punishment is one of the criminal justice approaches where an individual proved to be a criminal is placed on the death penalty. Field research can, therefore, be utilized to establish whether the death penalty is justified in regard to ethics given that it is argued that the act is an intrusion of human rights (Bachman & Schutt, 2017). The topic suits the technique because it involves a real issue in the actual world.
References
Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice (6th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Khan, J. A. (2011). Research methodology. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation. APH Publishing Corportaion.
