Research Methods in Crime and Justice

Research Methods in Crime and Justice tells the story of research, and, in doing so, provides students with a deeper understanding of how research gets done. Students who learn about research methods within the contexts of actual research projects are more likely to remember methodological concepts and techniques, use them when they are asked to conduct research, and recognize them when they evaluate the research of others.

Research Methods in Crime and Justice makes the case that the ability to apply social research methodologies to real world problem-solving is essential for success as a criminal justice practitioner. Criminal justice practitioners are often asked to conduct surveys, evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice strategies, and perform other types of data gathering projects. The results of these ‘research projects’ influence decision-making at the policy level.

Through The Researcher’s Notebook feature, Research Methods in Crime and Justice provides students with an opportunity to apply what they learn to a research project of their choosing. While it is not likely that the students will have enough time to actually complete the research project, the mere process of planning a research project has value. Planning a research project that will produce the data necessary to answer a research question is highly instructive and enables students to become more informed consumers of research.

• The first truly innovative approach to undergraduate introduction to research methods instruction in decades.
• Presents social research methods within the context of actual research projects that are relevant to future criminal justice practitioners.
• Makes the argument that a solid understanding of social research methods is important to success as a criminal justice practitioner.
• Makes the argument that a solid understanding of social research methods is important to success as a criminal justice practitioner.