Must be an expert in qualitative research. No exceptions. Work has been done, just have to proofread and make adjustments accordingly.
Main Discussion Post-Week 5
Research Question & Phenomena of Interest
How do legal professionals describe their experiences with misinterpreted eye witness testimony?
The phenomena of interest is understanding the misinterpretations regarding eye witness testimony based on the experiences of legal professionals. After avid research regarding eye witness testimony, misinterpretations have lead to wrongful convictions and wrongful acquittals. In order to implement the appropriate social change, I have embarked upon a mission to change the way the criminal justice system views eye witness testimony.
Criteria for Inclusion and Exclusion
The inclusion criteria for a study regarding eye witness testimony should me a male or a female and they have to be a legal professional. This particular studies focuses on legal professionals opposed to jurors because the basis for this study is to describes the experiences of the legal professionals. According to Wise, Sartori, Magnussen, & Safer (2014), it is important to take note of all the people included as legal personnel. The judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and law officers. Additionally, it is important to take into consideration of the people that would be benefical to the study in terms of eye witness testimony. In my opinion, it is important to specify the number of years that the legal professional has been in practice in efforts to see if experience is a factor regarding the knowledge of eye witness testimony. Additionally, it is important for the criteria to be a legal professionals that have seen a wide range of crimes; this includes murder, theft, etc. Additionally, I feel that the success rate of winning a legal proceeding is irrelevant when it comes to this particular study because it is not feasible to the study because the reason for the success may or may not be due to the interpretation of eye witness testimony.
Sample Size, Data Saturation, and Theoretical Saturation
The sample size is very important when it comes to qualitative research. The sample size in qualitative research is smaller than the quantitative research. Some scholars and researchers alike may argue about the the important of sample size when it comes to data saturation. Since data saturation is defined by the data collection process and the lack of new or relevant data. Additionally, theoretical saturation is important because it is the phase of data analysis and all concepts are developed into theories. According to recommendations, twenty-five to thirty participants is the minimum required in order to teach data saturation. When conducting in depth studies, it is ideal to meet more than the minimum requirements. Furthermore, theoretical saturation is optimal when there is a specific goal in mind to satisfy the requirements for change. Also, data collection should be exhausted because all of the relevant data should be statisfied (Dworkin, 2012). In my opinion, there should be an adequate enough sample size in order to combat the study of eye witness testimony. It may take a larger sample than thirty participants in order to reach data saturation in order to determine how legal professionals describe their experiences. When it comes to reaching data saturation, the researcher has to be sure that the investigative process is a thorough process. Additionally, it is important to develop theoretical saturation in efforts to implement better policies and procedures in accordance with an acceptable theory for the sake of social change. In my opinion, there should be a large amount of data in order to achieve optimal results. Also, the phenomenological approach is subjective and it is important for knowledge to be extensively collected, analyzed, etc. When it comes to this particular study, it would be more feasible to conduct interviews, surveys, and observation in order to gather information that is indicative of the human experience.
According to Wise, Sartori, Magnussen, & Safer (2014), the legal professionals and the jurors were extensivey surveyed and the number of participants were large in number in order accurately depict the knowledge and skills of each personnel in order to carry out the intended purposes of the study. Additionally, this particular study also implemented safeguards in order to allow people a solution to the errors associated with eye witness testimony. The study was extremely detailed and the extent of the data saturation was more than adequate enough to carry out the intended purposes of the study. Additionally, errors were able to be identified by emerging patterns due to the data saturation that was achieved by utilizing a larger sample size. In this study, there were many data collection methods utlized; this includes interviews, observations, and surveys.
Assurances
There are many things when considering the privacy of participants. I would ensure that they do not have to reveal details of the case that would incriminate them or their career without compromising the results of the study. Furthermore, it is imperative for the participants to voice any concerns and allow them to ask questions in terms of the study and the consent process. The core components of the study should be reviewed with the participants as well so that the participants will know what to expect in order for them to gather the full effect of the criteria and expectations of the study. According to Kaiser (2009), deductive disclosure is extremely important when it comes to the participants in research study, also referred to as internal confidentiality. It is important to have this type of confidentiality is important because information that is disclosed can lead to identifiable traits of the participant. The data collection process should also be conducted in a cautious manner as well while still maintaining the integrity of the study. Furthermore, it is imperative that participants are ensured of their privacy and are given the opportunity to understand the study extensively.
References
Dworkin, S. (2012). Sample Size Policy for Qualitative Studies Using In-Depth Interviews. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(6), 1319-1320.
Kaiser, K. (2009). Protecting Respondent Confidentiality in Qualitative Research. Qualitative Health Research, 19 (11), 1632-41.
Wise, R.A., Sartori, G., Magnussen, S., & Safer, M.A. (2014). An Examination of the Causes and Solutions to Eye Witness Errors. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5 (1), 102.
