NCJ Number
215096
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 404-409
Date Published
August 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article introduces this edition of the journal, which focuses on the impact of data collection methods on the participants and the findings of research regarding violence and victims.
Abstract
The articles contained in this journal edition focus on how research methodology can impact both the participants of social science research as well as the findings. Recalling violent or traumatic experiences can be emotionally upsetting for research participants and has the potential to produce less than accurate research findings. Main questions grappled with by the journal articles include questions about the emotional and psychological well-being of research participants who are asked to recall and think about traumatic events as well as the accuracy of data provided by participants who may not accurately disclose personally sensitive information. Researchers must be cognizant of the fact that the accuracy of research data may also be affected by memory, the participants’ perception of anonymity, and the participants’ ability to introspect. Moreover, participants may not be honest about psychological information or about information they feel may put them at risk, such as disclosures of criminal behavior or drug abuse. Generally, the articles in this journal consider the many factors that may influence research findings when the topics of research are stigmatizing or personally sensitive. References