Lecture 1 - Introduction

Question 1

The mayor suggests increasing the budget and hiring more officers is leading to decrease in crime. Accurate?

Answer 1

Yes, although many variables contribute to a decrease in crime.
* Laws and regulations
* Socio-economic factors
* Police discretion

Question 2

Types of Scientific Research

Answer 2

• Empirical - Knowledge produced based on experience or observation
• Scientific Criteria - Says that an assertion must have logical and empirical support
• Epistemology - Science of Knowing
• Methodology - Science of finding out max

Question 3

Experiential Reality vs. Agreement Reality

Answer 3

Experiential reality: Things we have immediately experienced
Ex. the sky is blue because we see it’s blue

Agreement Reality: Believe it’s true because others have told us and we agree
* Doesn’t always give correct information, think about where information is coming from

Question 4

Agreement Reality

Answer 4

Most knowledge is based on agreement reality.
* Tradition - We accept knowledge, may test some
* Authority - Trust professionals, “experts” can still be wrong

Criticism:
* Agreement reality can be problematic, need to do your own research (critical thinking is important)

Question 5

Errors in Personal Inquiry

Answer 5

• 1. Inaccurate Observation
• We are sloppy observers
• Memory is reconstructive

Reduced by: Scientific Observation
* Gathering information using senses or scientific tools to ensure accuracy and provide evidence
Ex. Cameras

• 2. Overgeneralization
• Assumptions that similar events are evidence of a pattern
  Ex. Assuming all robbers are black because one robbed you in the past

Reduced by: Replication

• 3. Selective Observation/Personal Bias
• Noticing observations that support your beliefs and ignoring others (can be a result of overgeneralization)

Reduced By: Specifying the number and type of observations
Ex. If the first 5 participants support your argument, you still continue the research with the remaining participants

• 4. Illogical Reasoning
• Illogical ways of handling contradictory observations
  Ex. Gambler’s Fallacy - “bad luck today means good luck tomorrow”

Reduce errors by: Strictly using logic when developing arguments

• 5. Ideology and Politics
• Ideological or political views can undermine objectivity
  Ex. Research conclusion contradicts your belief about policing, for example

Reduce errors by: Approaching research without bias: scientific research

Question 6

Purposes of Research - police body cameras

Answer 6

Exploration - Explore or develop a basic understanding of a problem
Ex. - Researchers studied police body cameras to see if they can reduce police misconduct and improve community trust

Description - Describe the scope of the problem (frequency or prevalence)
Ex. The study aims to understand officer and public perceptions of body cameras

Explanation - Explain why something occurs or the specific relationship
Ex. Researchers conduct experiments to explain why body cameras lead to less use of force.

Application - Address a specific concern or problem
Ex. Lawmakers and police apply the findings by creating policies that mandate body camera usage