Assess the strengths and weaknesses of using structured interviews to investigate the victims of crime
DAT- structured interviews are similar to questionnaires both involve asking people a fixed set of prepared question. The questions are usually closed ended with pre coded answers. The topic is based on victims of crime which would produce quantitative data. This researcher method will produce quantitative data as it identifies and measures behaviour pattern as well as establish cause- effect relationships.
P- Characteristics is a factor of practical advantages as the researcher doesn’t have to change to way he acts or behaves as it is closed ended questions with only one answer given which doesn’t involve such interactions.
Access is a disadvantage as the group studied is sensitive as well as difficult because it is dealing with victims of crime. Some individuals may not want to be interviewed about their past situation and be scared that they may reveal something that will lead to the police getting involved. For example if a person has been affected by domestic violence and is always staying at home, this makes the researcher to gain access.
Age could be a disadvantage because if it is a child or teenager this can have an effect on them as they are the most venerable groups to study. It may cause distress within the interview and this may produce invalid data as the interview may not carry on.
Gender is another factor the sociologist may have to consider because women tend to be more sensitive than men therefore if a woman is being interviewed they may find it difficult to answer the questions by remembering back to the events.
One practical advantage is training is straightforward and inexpensive, since all they are required to do is follow a set of instructions. However, this can also be too costly than simply posting questionnaires to people. The