Which Behavior Would Have the Least Impact on the Validity

question 18

Multiple Choice

Which behavior would have the least impact on the validity and reliability of a study using agency records?

• A) discretion of prosecutors in who to charge and what counts to add
• B) decisions that are made by police officers to arrest versus give a warning
• C) recognition on the part of the researcher that criminal justice data is a composite of criminal behavior, ability to detect that behavior and decisions about system response to that behavior
• D) decisions made by probation officers to revoke on new crimes and not technical violations

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Definitions:

Resistance

A psychological or behavioral force that opposes change or hinders progress.

Credibility

The quality of being trusted and believed in, often gained through expertise or reliability.

Effective Facilitator

A person skilled in guiding groups or meetings efficiently towards achieving their goals without taking a particular position in the discussion.

Dominate

To have a commanding influence over; to prevail or have control over.