NCJ Number
107382
Date Published
1987
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper considers whether research questions, as usually formulated, may obstruct the successful applications of social research to policy, with the focus on criminological research and crime control policy.
Abstract
Scientific questions must be put in a form different from the questions posed by the general public. The social scientist is concerned with the public interest but believes the public interest is best served by sound research independent of public opinion. A first step in undertaking research is to ensure that the question to be explored is properly phrased. A common error is to state the research question in the same kind of language used to describe research results. This is most likely to occur when researchers promise outcomes thought to be pleasing to those funding the research. Concepts of accountability influence the form and style of research questions. Issues of accountability must be resolved before the research questions are framed to ensure that the research customer is not attempting to manipulate the research toward a pre-existing organizational goal. Criminological research must avoid framing research questions in the form of answers, which means that assumptions about the nature of crime and criminals must be addressed in the research objectives.