Criminology Skills

Description

Criminology Skills is the only book of its kind to cover both criminological study skills and research skills for the first-year right through to the final-year student. Accessible, engaging, and visually appealing, the text gives a practical understanding of the key skills needed to succeed in the study of criminology.

• The only book of its kind to cover practical, academic and research skills for the study of criminology, including comprehensive coverage of research methods, ethics and data analysis
• A strong emphasis on active learning is achieved with practical examples and exercises throughout encouraging students to put the skills learnt into a practical context
• Accompanied by a range of online resources which include useful activities, for example testing your understanding of ethical considerations and the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Tailored to the needs of criminology students at all levels, it establishes a strong skills foundation for the first year and supports students right through to the completion of final year projects
• Written in an informal, lively and entertaining style with examples and diagrams to bring the subject to life
• Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support

New to this edition

• Includes a greater discussion of what is meant by research, what research involves in practice, and the steps for forming a hypothesis, making predictions and data gathering.
• Further detail around quantitative analysis including more worked calculations, explanation of mathematical formulae and greater detail of statistical significance and hypothesis testing.
• Further reference to real-life criminology studies to inspire your own research and help you think like a criminologist.

About the Author(s)

Emily Finch, author and lecturer, and Stefan Fafinski, author

Emily Finch is an experienced law lecturer and has taught criminal law, criminal evidence and cybercrime at a number of institutions. Her overarching research interest is in public perceptions of crime and criminality and the impact of technology on criminal activity, especially the criminogenic potential of the internet. She has a particular interest in jury decision-making and has conducted a number of empirical studies that explore factors that influence jury verdicts in rape, theft and fraud trials. Her current research focus is on dishonesty and the niche vulnerability of older internet users.

Stefan Fafinski has extensive experience in teaching intellectual property law, cyberlaw, and cybercrime. He is interested in the social and legal factors that influence information security and the security challenges presented by networked technologies in general. He is currently a member of the Parole Board for England and Wales.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I: Criminology criminological resources
1:What is criminology?
2:Books, journals, and articles
3:Statistics and official publications
4:Media and web sources
5:Criminal law
Part II: Academic Criminology Skills
6:Study skills
7:Writing skills
8:Referencing and avoiding plagiarism
9:Essay writing
10:Presentations
11:Revision and examinations
Part III: Research Skills in Criminology
12:Research ethics
13:Gathering data
14:Quantitative analysis
15:Qualitative analysis
16:Dissertations and research reports

Reviews

This is a unique and impressive book. It deals with the issues that students commonly experience and brings them together in one complete resource. The book really has taken into account the entire journey of undergraduate study. - Dr Caroline Gorden, Senior lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Wrexham Glyndwr University

This is a clear and well-structured book that offers an accessible pathway into the world of criminological skills and research. Filled with practical tips, students who invest in it will be provided with a valuable companion for their undergraduate degree. - Jack Spicer, Lecturer in Criminology, University of the West of England

Additional Resources

Digital formats and resources
The third edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources.