What does selective observation encourage researchers to focus on?

Selective observation encourages researchers to focus on future events that fit a predetermined pattern because it involves the tendency to notice and give importance to information that confirms existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding information that does not. This can lead investigators to develop a narrowed view that highlights evidence supporting their theories, even when it may not represent the full scope of reality. Such an approach can significantly impact the research outcomes, as it may build on biases and limit broader understanding of the phenomena being studied. This is particularly pertinent in criminal justice research, where preconceived notions about crime trends or behaviors can skew data interpretation and subsequent decisions made based on that data.

In contrast, the other options would represent approaches that encourage broader or more neutral analysis. Observing all events without bias or random events to gather diverse information would provide a more comprehensive view, while focusing solely on historic events could neglect the evolving nature of crime and justice in the present day.