Criminology

The research problem
Though video technology has considerably improved the administration of Situational Judgment Tests (SJT), potential biases and other problematic situation in administration of the tests may affect their efficacy.  A literature review reveals that there are potential benefits associated with the use of SJT.  Identification of any potential biases and bugs in using SJT with special emphasis on the state of Ohio may lead to their increased use and enjoyment of associated benefits.  The main purpose of the study is to determine potential biases and other problematic situations in using the test (Moore 70).

Research design
A quasi-experimental research design is adopted in the study.  Data on past events is assumed to be reflective of the situation as it is.  The use of a quasi-experimental design is also in line with the purpose of the study.  Determination of potential biases can easily be carried out with the aid of a study that allows generation of quantitative data.  The quasi experimental design in this case aids the use of quantitative data and statistical analysis.

Data-gathering strategy
Data used in the study was collected between October 2002 and July 2003 (Moore 72).  The data is derived from applicants who took the admissions screening video test at the Ohio assessment centre.  Various fields for instance gender, race, educational level, prior experience in correction and region that they were applying for are also considered in data collection.  It is noteworthy that the primary data collection duration was over 9 months which is sufficient to collect enough data.  The choice of a relatively long duration is important in ensuring that sufficient number of observations is made which may improve the accuracy and consistency of the data.  Sixty six scenarios are considered in the study this figure is representative of the sample size.

Dependent variables
The dependent variables in the study include the biases in using the SJT and potentially problematic situations in using the test. Biases in SJT are shown to be dependent on the level of experience and legal experience.  Furthermore, problematic situation are shown to be affected considerably by the experience in law enforcement and knowledge in legal issues.

Independent Variables
There are multiple independent variables that have been identified in the study.  At the data collection stage, data is collected on various fields.  The fields which include gender, race, education level, prior ODRC, experience in correction and the region that one is applying for are the independent variables in the study ((Moore 72).  This can be developed by considering the analysis presented in the study.  It is noteworthy that there is a clear variation of these variables for instance race is divided into African Americans and Hispanics and their effect on failure or success in the test noted.  It is evident that the former variable (race) is considered to be influential on the latter variable (performance) which implies that they are the independent variables.  The choice of the variables is largely guided by considerations on past literature which highlights them.

Operationalisation of the key dependent and independent variables
The main variables in the study have natural measures that are used in the study.  Race is for instance divided into five subgroups notably African American, Hispanics, native Americans, Asians and Caucasian.  Problems and biases are operationally defined as any form of anomaly in defining or translating the tests which affects performance.  Performance is measured in percentage score with 45 being the pass mark (Moore 73).  Prior experience is operationalised into the nature of experiences that respondents had in the past.  The educational level is operationally defined as per the level of educational attainment ranging from college degree, college dropouts, high school graduates and less than high school.  It is noteworthy that the operational definitions though in some cases influenced by the researcher for instance the elimination of African subgroups in the race variable, uses natural grouping.  This is a pro for the study since it minimizes complexities in understanding how the data was got.