• Compare and contrast research methodologies used in social sciences
Scenario
Choose a role from anthropology, human services, criminal justice, or political science. You have been working in this role in Washington, DC, at the Department of Justice (DOJ). You have recently decided to apply for another position within the DOJ, and you have been asked by the interview committee, which is comprised of potential peers and management, to explain methodologies used in research related to a topic in your field. You will demonstrate your critical thinking about research through an analysis of multiple methodologies within the same topic. This will be presented in a formal interview presentation.
Directions
Interview Presentation
You are analyzing research studies related to your field by discussing different types of research, their benefits and drawbacks, and why each method would be used. After choosing some of these sources earlier in the course, and after receiving professor feedback, complete the following:
1. Identify six research studies related to your chosen topic. Include two studies for each kind of methodology: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Include the following:
o An example of each methodology in six separate studies
o An explanation of how each research study fits the definition for the type of methodology
o An explanation of how each research study directly relates to your intended topic
2. Explain the benefits of using each of the three major methodologies for your identified research topic. Include the following:
o An explanation of how each methodology supports the research topic
o An explanation of the potential results that each methodology might produce
3. Explain the drawbacks (potential downfalls or limitations) of using each of the three major methodologies for your identified research topic. Include the following:
o An explanation of the identified drawbacks or limitations to the methodology
o An explanation of where these drawbacks or limitations might be seen in each methodology
4. Explain each researcher’s rationale for choosing their particular methodology to answer the research question. Include the following:
o An explanation of the benefits of each methodology as they were applied to the research question
o An explanation of the drawbacks of each methodology as they were applied to the research question
o An explanation of why the researchers might think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
| Study | Methodology Example | Methodology Definition Fit | Topic Relevance |
| Study 1: BWC Randomized Control Trial (RCT) | A study randomly assigns 50 police precincts across the US to either a control group (no BWCs) or a treatment group (mandatory BWC use). Over one year, researchers collect and statistically analyze the total number of use-of-force reports and citizen complaints from each precinct. | It uses an experimental/quasi-experimental design to measure and compare numerical variables (counts of incidents/complaints) between two groups. Statistical tests determine if the difference is significant. | Directly measures the numerical impact of BWCs (treatment) on the primary outcome variables (use-of-force and complaints). |
| Study 2: BWC Policy and Incident Regression Analysis | A study collects departmental records from 100 large US police agencies over five years, tracking the date BWC policies were implemented and correlating that date with a time-series analysis of monthly use-of-force rates per 1,000 officer-hours. | It involves the statistical analysis of large, pre-existing datasets to identify a correlation or causal effect (the policy implementation date) on a numerical outcome (monthly use-of-force rates). | Examines the temporal and numerical change in use-of-force incidents after the introduction of BWC policy, controlling for other variables. |
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B. Qualitative Methodology (The "Why" and "How")
Qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data, deep understanding, and interpreting meaning through narrative, observation, or text.
| Study | Methodology Example | Methodology Definition Fit | Topic Relevance |
| Study 3: Officer Experience with BWCs - Ethnography | Researchers spend six months embedded with a BWC-equipped police department, conducting ride-alongs and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 officers to understand how the cameras changed their perception of their behavior and their interactions with citizens. | It uses non-numerical data collection (observation, interviews) to explore the meaning and lived experience of officers and to understand the social process of BWC integration. | Provides rich, descriptive data on the mechanisms and subjective realities that might explain the numerical changes—e.g., officers' feelings of being watched or changes in discretion. |
| Study 4: Citizen Perceptions of BWCs - Focus Groups | Researchers conduct 10 focus groups with citizens from diverse neighborhoods to explore their attitudes and expectations regarding police accountability and the use of BWCs, analyzing the transcribed conversations for common themes and narratives. | It seeks an in-depth understanding of a social phenomenon (citizen trust) through the interpretation of verbal and textual data to uncover shared perspectives and experiences. | Directly explores the "citizen complaint" variable by understanding why citizens file complaints, if the cameras affect their decision to complain, and how they view the cameras' role in accountability. |
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C. Mixed Methodologies (The "Best of Both")
Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches in a single study to gain a more complete understanding of a research problem.
| Study | Methodology Example | Methodology Definition Fit | Topic Relevance |
| Study 5: Convergent Parallel BWCs Study | Researchers simultaneously conduct a regression analysis (Quantitative) of use-of-force data AND conduct officer interviews (Qualitative). The two data sets are analyzed separately and then merged to see if the statistical findings align with the narrative findings. | It combines a statistical test (quantitative) with thematic analysis (qualitative) and then explicitly integrates or connects the findings for a richer interpretation (convergence). | Seeks to confirm the statistical impact (e.g., 10% reduction) while simultaneously using officer narratives to explain why that reduction occurred (e.g., fear of being recorded vs. improved training). |
| Study 6: Explanatory Sequential BWCs Study | Researchers first identify precincts with the greatest increase in citizen complaints after BWC adoption (Quantitative - Phase 1). They then conduct in-depth case studies/interviews (Qualitative - Phase 2) in those specific precincts to determine the underlying reasons for the unexpected statistical increase. | It involves a sequential process where the initial quantitative results dictate the focus and sample for the subsequent qualitative investigation (Quant → Qual). | Uses the numerical data to target a specific anomaly in the topic (a rise in complaints despite BWCs) and uses qualitative depth to explain the statistical finding (e.g., officers not activating cameras correctly, leading to more complaints). |
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This interview presentation will analyze and compare research methodologies used in the social sciences, focusing on a topic relevant to the Criminal Justice field within the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Role and Research Topic
Chosen Role: Criminal Justice Analyst, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Research Topic: The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) on Police Use-of-Force Incidents and Citizen Complaints.
This topic is highly relevant to the DOJ's mission regarding police reform, accountability, and community trust. The methodologies chosen to study this impact directly influence policy decisions and resource allocation within law enforcement agencies nationwide.
1. Identification and Analysis of Six Research Studies
To analyze the impact of BWCs, I have selected six hypothetical research studies, with two examples for each of the three major methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods.
A. Quantitative Methodology (The "What" and "How Much")
Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, measurement, and statistical analysis to test theories and establish generalizable facts.