The Dynamics of Criminological Research

Jennifer Schulenberg

Canadian: Featuring Canadian examples, this is the only current text focused on research methods for criminology in Canada.
Accessible: Written in a style that is readable and straightforward, The Dynamics of Criminological Research helps dismantle the complexity of this subject for students.
Comprehensive: Integrated coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods, ethics, and mixed methods gives students a truly complete introduction to criminological inquiry.
Practical: Emerging trends, ethics in context, case studies, "Key Thinkers" boxes, and vignettes showcase real-life examples that provide opportunities for students to apply their learning.

The Dynamics of Criminological Research

Jennifer Schulenberg

Description

The Dynamics of Criminological Research is a comprehensive, practical, and student-friendly guide to research methods in criminology. Starting with a chapter on scientific inquiry and the relevance of research methods to everyday life, moving on to integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches in every chapter, and ending with a full chapter on mixed methods, this new Canadian offering captures student interest from the beginning and keeps them engaged throughout. The presentation of concepts and techniques within relatable real-world examples, and appendices on practical topics such as report writing and secondary data sources make The Dynamics of Criminological Research a necessary tool to help students learn the skills needed to design, interpret, and critically evaluate empirical research in criminology and criminal justice.

The Dynamics of Criminological Research

Jennifer Schulenberg

Preface
Acknowledgements
PART I An Introduction to Scientific Inquiry
1:What Is Scientific Inquiry?
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Ability to Question Information
Types of Knowledge
Theoretical Foundations
Types of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
2:How Are Research Projects Structured?
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Scientific Method
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Research Designs
Practical Considerations: The Initial Steps to Designing a Research Project
Ethical and Political Considerations
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
PART II Nuts and Bolts of Conducting Research
3:Quantitative and Qualitative Measurement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Preliminary Steps of Measurement
Quality of Measurement
Quantitative Research
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
4:How Do I Find My Research Subjects?
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Logistical Considerations
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
5:Experimental Research Designs
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Appropriate Topics and Research Questions
The Logic Behind Experiments
Experimental Settings
True (Classical) Experiments
Pre- and Quasi-Experimental Designs
Threats to Internal and External Validity
Practical Aspects of Conducting Experiments
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
PART III Data Collection Techniques
6:Surveys and Interviews
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Research Applications
Surveys
Interviews
Focus Groups
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
7:Ethnographic Field Research
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Some History
What Is Field Research?
Where Do I Start?
Field Roles
Gaining and Maintaining Access
Entering the Field
Field Notes
I'm in the Field-Now What?
Alternative Approaches
Ethics
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
8:Unobtrusive Methods and Secondary Data
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Historical Research
Content Analysis
Secondary Data Analysis
Agency Records
A Different Spin
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
PART IV Interpreting and Making Sense of the Data
9:Interpreting Quantitative Data
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Preparing for Quantitative Analyses
Univariate Analysis: What Does My Data Look Like?
Bivariate Analysis: Are They Related?
Multivariate Statistics: Analyzing the Complexity of Life
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
10:Interpreting Qualitative Data
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Analyzing Numbers Versus Words
The Process of Analyzing the Data
The Method to the Madness
Nuts and Bolts: Where Do I Start?
Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together
Grounded Theory
Looking at the Analysis a Different Way: Some Alternatives
Computer-Assisted Data Analysis
Authenticity: Evaluating Qualitative Research
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
PART V Taking Methods a Step Further
11:Evaluation Research
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Defining Evaluation Research
Goals and Purpose of Evaluation Research
Theory and Practice in Evaluation Research
Evaluation Research Design
Types of Evaluation Research
Negotiating the Politics and Ethics of Evaluation Research
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
12:Mixed Methods: An Integrated Approach
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Defining Mixed Methods
Why Go to the Trouble?
Methodological Controversies
What Are We Trying to Do With Mixed Methods?
Common Characteristics in Mixed Methods Designs
Types of Mixed Methods Research Designs
Methodological Gymnastics
Conclusion
Summary of Important Points
Key Terms
Review Questions and Exercises
Online Exercises and Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
Appendix A The Research Proposal and "Writing It Up"
Introduction
Research Proposal
Written Reports
Words to Maintain Sanity
Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
Appendix B Reading and Interpreting Published Research
Introduction
Where Do I Start Reading?
Questions by Article Selection
Questions by Method
Websites of Interest
Additional Resources
Appendix C Random Number Table
Appendix D Sources of Secondary Data in Social Science Research
General International Sources of Data
Secondary Data Depositories
Historical Data Sources
Crime- and Justice-Specific Depositories
Individual Crime and Criminal Justice Surveys
Glossary
References
Index