Research In Regard To Shoplifting Psychology Essay

Research In Regard To Shoplifting Psychology EssayIn critically reviewing the enquiry in regard to shoplift do by the security manager, a definition of explore ordain be stated and the following aspects will be analysed and critiqued. Initially, throughout the essay the manager would be complemented for taking the initiative to conduct a research founded on a c erstrn to deal with shoplifting, and the research method actingologies employ to regard the problem. This would be followed by a critical analysis to identify the strength and weaknesses, beginning with examining the first stage of the investigations which looks at the research problems to determine if the author provided a proficient argument for the research. The essay will focus on the following, a literature review to determine if the research worker reviewed sufficient maintaination onward conducting the research. Methods utilise during the process of the survey atomic number 18 in compliance with established theories such as qualitative, which include unstructured wonders, observation work, also a comparison amidst qualitative and quantitative research methods. In addition special attention will be paid to the selective information collection methods unitedly with the examination of lively information and the ethical violations by the researcher which compromised the validity and reliability of the investigation. The nett discussion and interpretation to determine of the finding of the research to determine if the discussion fail with the data collected, taking into love if every limitations were encountered which could consent influenced the discussion from presenting a logical based result.Research by definition, according to the (Merriam-Webster on melodic line Dictionary) states it is a studious doubtfulness or examination especially, investigations or experimentations aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light o f new facts, or practical employment of such new or revised theories or laws The collecting of information about a particular subject.Research ProblemAll security managers should be complimented for the initiative to conduct a research which would assist in examining and addressing some of the concerns they were faced with in their organization. On the other hand, in the initial stage of any(prenominal) research on that point ar some fundamental stages that compulsion to be followed in order for the research report to be truly noneworthy. The author indicated the butt for his research was to contract shoplifting by costumers and focus on a number of other aspects within the store. These included the ledger of shoplifting, the influence of the new CCTV equipment on such and why people actually shoplift. When conducting research it is grievous to identify the following What exactly one wants to breeding? Why it is worth informationing? Does the proposed study contribute to our general fancying of crime or its policy response? (Maxfield Babbie, 2008111). The researcher should also begin by clearly identifying the problem and providing a good argument for significance and determining its relevance (Rodgers (1997). The manager needs to acknowledge that in order to come upon the objective of any research report, thither are guidelines that ought to be meticulously evaluated in conducting such an exercise.Literature ReviewAn acknowledgement of some previous research on shoplifting previously done is noteworthy. However, the managers notion that none for the particular shop was done, and earlier research was not relevant, to the existing research, could seriously put the study at a disadvantage. One of the most important elements in the beginning of a research run across is the literature review. According to (Hart 1998 cited in Bell 200899) without it, you will not acquire an understanding of your take, of what has already been done on it, how it h as been researched, and what are the key issues. A literature review proposes to offer an overview of relevant literature published on the topic, taking the four stages into consideration. Problem formulation, which considers the topic being examined and what are the component issues, literature research includes finding materials relevant to the subject being explored, data evaluation to determine which literature produces a solid contribution to understanding the topic, and analysis and interpretation of the findings and conclusion of pertinent literature.(Department of Criminology,2010).The absence of a literature review from the research denied the author critical information that could have assisted in addressing the concerns of shop lifting at the store and a guide for the project.Research MethodAs a consequence of the number of things under consideration by the researcher with regard to shoplifting at the store, research methods needed to be developed for the study. These t ake into account using all the obligatory processes to turn over the trounce outcome (Schutt 200416) states a researcher can get a clearer picture of the social reality being studied by viewing it find his method included the use of quantitative research by fashioning use of official data and questionnaires in addition to qualitative data by having interviews, also observation studies. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are useful and legitimate. And some research situation and topics require elements of both approaches (Maxfield Babbie, 200826). The importance of research methods should not be underestimated, when seeking to find answers or correct a problem of a social reality. Hence research methodologies form an integral part of any research to be conducted, which has the key to observing the same thing from a different viewpoint. soft researchThe official data used to determine the volume of shoplifting at the shop were computerised records of inventory taken into the shop as compared to goods sold or otherwise accounted for. However, this measure does not accurately determine the terra firma for high numbers of unaccounted items at the store, for thither could be a number of other factors that could have led to such increasing numbers within the four-month compass point under review, (Maxfield Babbie. 2008306 states Store inventory records could be used to estimate losses by customer theft, but this obscures the difference between shoplifting by customers and employee theft. Qualitative methods used in studying data as part of the investigation is commendable, qualitative research is the form of research that is not concerned or arouse in what is true or false or what can be proved or disproved, as well as considering the way people understand things and patterns of behaviour. activities that make up this method of research incorporates , interviews, observations, analysing interactions and conversations including analysing documents,(De partment of Criminology,2010).The assumption that shoplifting was on the increase in as much as security officers were catching more people at the shop and the past week dickens persons were processed by police together with more dodgy persons stopping over at the shop was based purely on observations and lacked adequate data whereby they could have appropriately measure the variables.InterviewsUnstructured interviews were used to determine the amount of shoplifting at the shop. Nevertheless, in conducting interviews be it structured or unstructured there must be some ethical consideration when using this method. According to Hart and stay (1995198-201 cited in Bell 2008 44) action research in health and social care, provide examples of different types of code of practice or protocol, which requires researchers to ensure that participants are full aware of the purpose of the research and understand their rights. The manager choice of semi-structured interviews must be highly pra ised, for unstructured interviews are most appropriate when researchers have half-size knowledge about a topic and when its reasonable for them to have a casual conservation with a subject (Maxfeild Babbie, 2008288). Interviews with both line managers and other records indicated that there was a great deal of shoplifting taking place at the shop. However, both interviews were not conducted at the proper time to elicit the information necessary in assisting the manager to come to a conclusion as to determine that shop lifting was on the increase at the shop. This factors could have result in predetermine as there is always dangers in research carried out by individual researchers, particularly those who have strong views about the topic they are researching (Bell, 2008 166).Structured or unstructured interviews must comply with the general ethics of undertaking such an exercise for many organizations now have ethical guidelines, codes of practice and protocols (Bell, 200857)Observ ational studyObservation study was one of the methods used by the researcher to determine why people shoplift. While this is one of the methods by which investigation could be used to collect data, it is not an easy option, according to (Nisbet 197715 cited in Bell, 2008184) careful planning and piloting are essential, and it takes practice to get the most out of this technique. However, once mastered, it can reveal characteristics of group or individuals, which would have been impossible to discover by another means. An afternoon spent walking around the store ceremony for people shoplifting was done by the security manager in order to collect data this can be explained as solo observation. However, there is always a danger of accusation of bias or misinterpretation with this type of observation (Bell, 2008185).In conducting observation studies be it structured or unstructured, participant or non-participant there are certain guide lines to follow in order to achieve exactly what you need to know. To begin with consideration should be given as to what information is needed and what approach should be adopted also pilot your method and invite someone to observe with you and compare notes afterwards to see if you sawing machine the same thing (Bell, 2008185). This emphasizes the point that even though the observation study was unstructured the basic principle for this type of investigation was lacking. On the other hand, the researcher must be commended for employing this method to assist with obtaining the necessary information to establish why people shoplift.Quantitative researchQuantitative research methods as compared to qualitative research methods differ generally in their analytical objectives. While qualitative explores attitudes, and experiences through such methods as interviews, observations, analysing interactions and conversations, including analysing documents,(Department of Criminology,2010).On the other hand quantitative research generates d ata through the use of a large scale survey via methods such as questionnaires and structured interviews. This type of research reaches many more people, but the penetrate with target groups is much quicker than it is in qualitative research (Sanchez, 2006) .The researcher decision to design a questionnaire to address why people shoplift is for sure a touchstone in the right direction towards achieving this objective. However, in exercising this option, and considering the survey is likely to get the information required, a well designed questionnaire must be produced that will be acceptable and should pose no problem at the analysis and interpretation stage(Bell,2008136 ). The author points out that he gave out 30 questionnaires to his friends and also to get their friends to fill it in,(Gill,2005313) stated self administered questionnaire can produce unreliable data as results depend on respondents.(Bell,2008 148 ) also states, There are distinct advantages in being able to giv e questionnaires to respondents personally. You can explain the purpose of the study, and in some cases questionnaires can be completed on the spot. You are likely to get better cooperation if you can establish personal contact. The method employed the researcher in delivering the questionnaire could have compromised the information received on their return. data collection and analysisWhen deciding to carry out a research project, in the initial stages one should consider how to collect the evidence you require, additionally what is the best way to acquire the information (Bell, 2008115). The use of official data from the store to identify inventory taken into the shop in comparison to inventory accounted for, as well as unaccounted inventory must be applauded. Analysis of data for the periods under review to determine whether if any significant change in shoplifting before and after the introduction of CCTV confirmed that twenty percent of the inventory was not accounted for in bo th case. Hence it could not be turn out there was a decrease in shoplifting. Generalization is a key concern in research design. We rarely have the resources to study the entire population that is of touch on to us, so we have to select cases to study that allow our findings to be generalized to the population of interest. None the less since we can never be sure that our findings will hold under all conditions. We should be cautious in generalizing to populations that we do not actually sample. (Schutt, 2004 19). Interpretation of results collected from the questionnaire was based on assumptions and not from a proper examination of the data collected. Statements such as, most shoplifting is committed by females for the thrill is not accurate at the point of view two out of ten females answering the questionnaire shoplifted many times, which represents a mere twenty percent.(Bell,2008 110) writes research findings can be dangerous if they are used in an undisciplined way stating that the research proves x or y without any corroborating evidence to warrant such an assertion. In analysing data collected one should not make claims, which cannot be justified from the evidence presented.Ethical considerationThere is no sign throughout the entire research project where the investigator indicated that an ethic committee existed or permission from any supervisor to carry out the survey was granted. (Bell, 2008 43) explains, at one time, it was possible to have permission for small pieces of research to be done by the head of a department. However, with era change in most cases the supervisor will be aware of any limitations or level-headed requirement related to researching and ensure that proper standards are in place during the preparation stages of collecting data. Ethical consideration should not be compromised when doing any research project, for any data collected from any of the research methods without consent from participants, create an inherent danger to the reliability and validity of the information collected,(Department of Criminology,2010).The semi- structured interviews, with both line managers is an excellent research method, but they were unaware that an interview was been carried out at the time and information collected would be used by the researcher to inform certain conclusions.(Bell,2008156) points out researchers still have a responsibility to explain as fully as possible what the research is about ,why you wish to interview them, what will be involved an what you will do with the information obtained. During the observational study the young woman arrested for shoplifting and was offered a reward in flip-flop for information illustrates the importance for ethical concerns in obtaining information. The reliability of the information received through coercion will dispute the authenticity of the data collected. Whenever a research is conducted on persons the well being of the research participants must be top prior ity. The question of the research is of secondary importance. This explains that if a choice is made between doing wound to the participants and doing harm to the research, it is the research that is sacrificed (Sanchez, 2006).Discussion and Interpretation of findingsRaw data taken from the questionnaires, interviews and other methods used need to be recorded analysed and interpreted. (Bell, 2008203).The researchers discussion and analysis as a consequence of the data collected, asserts that shoplifting is a real problem that is only going to get worse. However, the results presented did not indicate if the results fits with the data collected, any conclusions forwarded need to be accompanied by evidence to support its claim. Taking into consideration data collected during the research as compared to authors statements highlighted this fact. The findings needed to identify limitation of the study and how it affected the quality of the study challenges encountered in collecting the questionnaire together with the low return ratio would have certainly compromised the fact as to why persons shoplift together with the ages and sex of the offenders. Gathering large amount of information in the hope that something will emerge is not recommended in small investigations also selecting research method which are suitable for the task and which can easily analysed, interpreted and presented (Bell, 2008203).Reliability and validity of the information to determine that CCTV is the solution to the problem is not supported by the statistical data presented. Before and after the installation of the CCTV simple arithmetical procedures related to percentage was not used to analyse the numbers so as to determine if shoplifting prior to and following produced significant changes. According to (Bassey, 198185 cited in Bell 2008202)An important criterion for judging the merit of case study is the extent to which the details are sufficient and appropriate for a teacher working in a similar situation to relate his decision do to that described in the case study. The reliability of a case study is more important than its generalizability.Interpretation of the data collected requires greater analysis before revealing that several things were clear from the research.In determining if a research project ought to be undertaken it must be resolved if the problem is clearly identified, together with providing a good argument for such an investigation. The objective of any research by its definition is aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts. However, in striving to achieve such this requires the researcher follow the necessary steps that would assist in accomplishing the goals of the investigations. A literature review of previous researches could be an essential first step in understanding the subject. The utilitization of multiple methods to study the research is recommended, which would assist to observe things from a perspective which could challenge or confirm the finding of one method with those of another. Both qualitative and quantitative used were legitimate and helpful in assisting to address the compilation and analysis of information. The differences between both methods were identified, and it was understood that they varied primarily in their analytical objective, while qualitative methods are not keen in what is true or false or what can be proven or disproved. Quantitative on the other hand, produce data through the use of a large scale survey. The possibility of doing a research project should not prevent researchers from considering ethical issues, and aiming at the principle of one having the informed approval from the appropriate review board where the rights of human participants are protected. In the final discussion and analysis of data collected during the investigation, one has to be conscious of the fact that interpretation of the findings must be logically based before making any declaration.