My Use Of Quantitative Research In Serial Killers

I am conducting an experimental design research. Experimental design is sometimes defined as, “observation under controlled conditions.” True experimental research designs are those where researchers have complete control over the extraneous variables, as well as, can predict confidently that the observed effect on the dependable variable is only due to the manipulation of the independent variable. My study population is serial killers, however, studying the entire population would be too difficult in that these cases involve multiple victims; the series may span days, months or even years; they can involve several jurisdictions; the motive involved may not be easily discerned; offender behaviors may not be consistent among all the cases;

Because of this, I am going to use purposive sampling methods in choosing my subjects for the study. Purposive sampling is a form of non-probability sampling where samples are selected on the basis of knowledge of the population, its elements, and the nature of the research aims. Purposive sampling is great in that it provides with a large range of techniques. One of the key benefits of this sampling method is the ability to gather large amounts of information by using many techniques, such as, homogenous sampling, expert sampling, critical case sampling, etc. The main disadvantage of purposive sampling is the greater chance of researcher bias, as each sampling is based entirely on the judgment of the researcher, who is essentially trying to prove a specific point. For this reason, I will strive to make decisions based on accepted criteria, not on what will best support my theories. Another problem with purposive sampling might be that after a researcher publishes their findings, it may be hard to defend that that if different selections had been made during purposive sampling, a different result might have occurred. Qualitative interviews are a type of field research method that provokes information and data by directly asking questions of

I will begin my interview with these types of questions because it is the best way to make the subject comfortable and allow me to gain maximum flexibility to pursue certain topics. Although it may generate less systematic data, which may be difficult to analyze, it can help me gain a better insight into the lives of my serial killers. While I will begin my interview with a more laid back, conversational approach, I will also be asking questions from a list I prepared prior to the interview. Thus, making it a semi-structured type of interview. It will be hard to respond to new topics that unfold during the interview, but on the other hand, will obtain the necessary data for my study. I have come up with many questions I hope to answer during my interview. To list a few, I will ask what their highest level of education is, did they enjoy school, are they close with their families, when did they first become violent, what did they feel before, during, and after they committed murder, how did they choose their victims, what was their motivation the first time they killed, do they ever feel remorse, and who would they not see as a victim. I will record their answers with a voice recorder, because it would take too long to write