Abstract
This chapter introduces environment-based systematic social observation (EBSSO) and outlines the procedural steps for its execution. We use prior EBSSO studies that we had conducted as examples throughout the chapter. Readers are offered approaches in how to frame a neighborhood for EBSSO, the theoretical considerations to develo** the research strategy, how to create a measurement tool and what variables should be considered, and how to prepare for fieldwork in terms of pilot testing and determining the data collection methods. Strategies for sampling, hiring, training, and deploying observers and notifying the community are considered. The final sections briefly describe how to process the collected data for further analysis.
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Notes
- 1.
This project, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the National Institute of Justice, the National Institute of Mental Health, the US Department of Education, the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, the Harris Foundation, and the Turner Foundation, is a major interdisciplinary study aimed at deepening society’s understanding of the causes and pathways of juvenile delinquency, adult crime, substance abuse, and violence. Over $55 million dollars was invested during the development years. SSO was a major component of the research methodology (NACJD, 2023).
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McCluskey, J., Uchida, C.D., Feys, Y., Solomon, S.E. (2023). Environment-Based Systematic Social Observation and Police Research. In: Systematic Social Observation of the Police in the 21st Century. SpringerBriefs in Criminology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31482-7_5
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