NCJ Number
217263
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 110-121
Date Published
February 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article considers the challenges involved with conducting survey research in China and discusses the important lessons learned from conducting a large-scale criminal victimization survey.
Abstract
The authors discuss the challenges of gaining access to the research sites, adapting the survey instrument for a Chinese audience, protecting human subjects, and ensuring data quality. They encourage other Western and Chinese researchers to further develop the emerging opportunities for criminological research in China. The analysis of the challenges involved with conducting survey research in China underscores the importance of understanding and catering to the unique political, cultural, and academic context in China. Self-report surveys on crime and victimization that have been developed in Western countries are based on the principles of democracy, individualism, freedom of speech, and protection of privacy. Surveys developed from this perspective will not be successful in China, where the prevailing social and cultural values emphasize collectivism and respect for authorities. The authors underscore the importance of enlisting the expertise of local colleagues “on site” to ensure the social and cultural relevance of the data collection instruments and protocol. Extensive contacts with officials and others in the research environment are also recommended as important to the success of the research project. Flexibility, mutual trust, and respect among the various research collaborators were key components to effective data collection. The criminal victimization survey from which the current analysis emerged took place in Tianjin, one of the four largest municipalities of the People’s Republic of China. A multistage cluster sampling design was employed that targeted 2,500 households in each of 50 selected neighborhoods. Data were collected via anonymous, self-administered questionnaires at locations around each neighborhood. A total of 2,474 completed questionnaires were obtained, which represents a high response rate of 97 percent. Note, references