Identify some possible benefits to the suggested data collection methods listed below.

Identify some possible drawbacks to the suggested data collection methods listed below.

The most effective method of data collection related to a criminal justice organization will depend on what the organization is trying to measure. Qualitative methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups are very good at measuring opinions. These can be used when an organization is trying to gather information from the public or other entities. Qualitative methods are usually used when studying attitudes and actions that cannot be understood by the structured questions of a highly controlled experiment. Quantitative methods such crime mapping and data analysis can help an organization predict future patterns of crime. They can also help to show causation between variables that may not be readily noticeable.

Unbiased data is important in order to be certain that the research findings are accurate. Qualitative data tends to be subject to bias just because of the nature of the methods. Researchers who write the survey questions may inadvertently word a question so that it can be misinterpreted. This could lead to the respondents answering the question in a biased fashion. Interviews are another method where bias by the researcher or respondent could lead to incorrect data. Quantitative methods that rely on data are less subject to bias. These methods can still be biased if the information is not correctly analyzed. Researchers need to examine their methods to prevent bias.

When making decisions it is important to use the data relevant to the decision being made. An organization needs to focus on the question being researched and disregard other outside findings. Oftentimes researchers will report findings from a study that may not be truly relevant to the study. These findings are usually listed at the end of finding as questions for further research.