What type of information can be classified as data in criminal justice research?

In criminal justice research, data is defined as factual information collected for analysis to understand trends, behaviors, and patterns within the field. Systematic observations and survey responses are considered data because they provide concrete, measurable insights into aspects of the criminal justice system.

Systematic observations involve structured methods of watching and recording behavior, which can yield reliable statistical information about crime rates, types of crimes, or the effectiveness of certain interventions. Survey responses reflect the opinions or experiences of individuals regarding crime or law enforcement, providing quantifiable data that can be analyzed for trends or relationships.

Other answer choices do not meet the criteria for data. Policy recommendations are conclusions drawn from data analysis but do not constitute raw data themselves. Opinions from community leaders represent subjective views, not factual data that can be statistically analyzed. General assumptions about criminal behavior are typically hypotheses or theories that require empirical testing but do not serve as concrete data until supported by systematic investigation. Thus, systematic observations and survey responses are the core elements of data that drive meaningful research in criminal justice.