Researchers make field observations of social activities as part of a study of police strategies to reduce certain crimes in specified neighborhoods. While making observations during a weekday afternoon, a researcher witnesses a residential burglary. The incident is recorded in field notes but not reported to police.

Can you see the ethical issue in each? How do you feel about it? Are the procedures described ultimately acceptable or unacceptable?

Question

Social Studies

Davis Burgess

29 April, 21:57

Researchers make field observations of social activities as part of a study of police strategies to reduce certain crimes in specified neighborhoods. While making observations during a weekday afternoon, a researcher witnesses a residential burglary. The incident is recorded in field notes but not reported to police.

Can you see the ethical issue in each? How do you feel about it? Are the procedures described ultimately acceptable or unacceptable?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Moshe Roberts · Answer 1

The Non-interference of field-study vs the civil obligation.

Explanation:

If you look at this from an academical angle you could argue that, as a neutral and objective field-worker who is gathering information, the researcher did the right thing because of the non-interference he/she applies.

But if you look at the goal of the study (reducing crimes) and the civil obligation every person in this country has, you can only reach the conclusion that the researcher, for one moment putting his civil jacket on, should have reported to the police.