Research Methods For Criminal Justice And The Social Sciences

Research Methods for Criminal Justice and the Social Sciences combines a traditional research book with exercises that allow students to experience research in a controlled environment. It is a companion methods/manual for use with most traditional social scientific research textbooks. This book offers readers basic information about methodological concerns (brief readings); and a variety of practices exercises relating to those readings. Some features of this book: Each chapter begins with a BRIEF discussion of the elements relevant to a basic understanding of research methods After each section of each chapter are several abstracted reprints containing basic intros of published articles Each reading is then followed with an Application Exercise which relates to the methodological procedure in the abstracted reprint...all exercises were designed to be completed by college students amd allows them to get their "hands dirty with the This is a perfect resource for individuals interested in the field of criminal justice, criminology, or sociology.

Research Methods in the Social and Health Sciences: Research Decisions, by Ted Palys and Chris Atchison, gives students a thorough, thoughtful, and highly readable introduction to the entire research process from start to finish. From its underlying premise that your research questions and objectives, rather than any specific method, should guide your research, this book discusses each step of the research process, from limiting the scope of a literature review to navigating ethical considerations to deciding which methods are best suited for finding answers to specific research questions to how to analyze data and present findings. Readers are encouraged to think deeply about each step of the research process. The book promotes this deliberation by discussing the strengths and limitations of different methods and. Throughout the process, the authors provide many examples from their own and student research, sharing insights for research decisions arising from that experience. Readers will develop the skills to create solid research questions, perform literature reviews, identify appropriate data sources and methods, conduct research, analyze and interpret data and translate the resulting knowledge generated from the research process to a wider audience– all core parts of the research process –by developing their knowledge and creating confidence in their own decision-making skills. After explaining the unique and often complementary strengths of qualitative and quantitative methods, students focus on what methods are best suited for finding answers to the research questions that interest them. Major types of research including experiments, case studies, surveys, quasi-experiments, ethnographies, focus groups, participatory action research, and archival studies all receive significant coverage. The text illustrates how these methods are enhanced by integrating them with 21st century technologies and combining them in mixed methods projects. Chapters on constructing a research proposal and disseminating research bookend the process with concrete steps in between to support students designing their own original research projects. Study questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to think critically about the research process and how the choices a researcher makes will broaden or constrain what they can find. By the end of the text, social and health science students will feel confident in undertaking ethical and thoughtful research.

"With masterful storytelling, Bergland and Hayes demonstrate how Lapham blended his ravenous curiosity with an equable temperament and a passion for detail to create a legacy that is still relevant today." --John Gurda In this long overdue tribute to Wisconsin's first scientist, authors Martha Bergland and Paul G. Hayes explore the remarkable life and achievements of Increase Lapham (1811-1875). Lapham's ability to observe, understand, and meticulously catalog the natural world marked all of his work, from his days as a teenage surveyor on the Erie Canal to his last great contribution as state geologist. Self-taught, Lapham mastered botany, geology, archaeology, limnology, mineralogy, engineering, meteorology, and cartography. A prolific writer, his 1844 guide to the territory was the first book published in Wisconsin. Asked late in life which field of science was his specialty, he replied simply, "I am studying Wisconsin." Lapham identified and preserved thousands of botanical specimens. He surveyed and mapped Wisconsin's effigy mounds. He was a force behind the creation of the National Weather Service, lobbying for a storm warning system to protect Great Lakes sailors. Told in compelling detail through Lapham's letters, journals, books, and articles, Studying Wisconsin chronicles the life and times of Wisconsin's pioneer citizen-scientist.

The second edition of Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice is a core text for criminology and criminal justice research methods courses. This text offers a general foundation of knowledge that transcends particular topics or subject areas, allowing students to apply the methods and concepts discussed to a multitude of scenarios. Within the first five chapters, students learn (a) the philosophy behind scientific research, (b) the role of theory and hypotheses in the research process, (c) ethical issues in conducting research in our field, and (d) how research reports are structured. Thereafter, each new chapter will add information and examples that help students move toward a further understanding of research design and methodology that can be applied across the social and behavioral sciences to better understand social phenomena.

Based on Earl Babbie's best-selling text, THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH, this text combines the key strengths of Babbie's text (accessibility; a conversational, friendly writing style; and great examples) with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice for a text that addresses the specific methods used in criminal justice research. The new edition of this market-leader includes changes in its coverage of ethics, causation, validity, and research design, as well as updated coverage and statistics, and expanded examples, especially in the discussion of field research.

Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology connects key concepts to real field research and practices using contemporary examples and recurring case studies throughout the book that demonstrate how concepts relate to students’ lives. Authors Callie M. Rennison and Timothy C. Hart introduce practical research strategies used in criminal justice to show students how a research question can become a policy that changes or influences criminal justice practices. The book’s student-driven approach addresses both the "why" and the "how" as it covers the research process and focuses on the practical application of data collection and analysis. By demonstrating the variety of ways research can be used, and reinforcing the need to discern quality research, the book prepares students to become critical consumers and ethical producers of research. The Second Edition includes two new case studies woven throughout, and new expert profiles to highlight contemporary topics. Editable PowerPoint slides and a test bank are available to instructors.

Advanced Research Methods for the Social Sciences is a unique anthology featuring readings and summaries selected and prepared by actual users of the material - undergraduate students who had just completed a required research methods course. The book includes a wide array of works by leading researchers and provides an equal balance of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods with a critical focus. The papers selected for inclusion were originally written by internationally acclaimed researchers in their respective fields. Written in a conversational tone that is easily accessible to students, Advanced Research Methods explores complex research methods in a comprehensive, logical way. The book is appropriate for courses in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, political science, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. Mark M. Lanier, Ph.D., received his interdisciplinary doctoral degree with a concentration in criminology, sociology, and psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Lanier is a professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama and is the university's McNair Fellow for 2013. He has over 60 scholarly publications, including Research Methods in Criminology: A Mixed Methods Approach, co-authored with Lisa Briggs, and Essential Criminology, co-authored with Stuart Henry. Currently, Dr. Lanier is developing epidemiological criminology as a bridge between public health, medical sociology, and criminal justice. Catherine A. Ford was a member of the University of Alabama crew team and full time student employee of the UA Outdoor Recreation department. She graduated last semester. Jonathan C. Reid is a senior at the University of Alabama. He is 1st team All American for track and field and is also 1st team Academic All American. Katlyn M. Stricklend is majoring in political science and criminal justice at the University of Alabama. She is a member of Capstone Men and Women, the university's official ambassador program.

The Encyclopedia of RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE The most comprehensive reference work on research designs and methods in criminology and criminal justice This Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a comprehensive survey of research methodologies and statistical techniques that are popular in criminology and criminal justice systems across the globe. With contributions from leading scholars and practitioners in the field, it offers a clear insight into the techniques that are currently in use to answer the pressing questions in criminology and criminal justice. The Encyclopedia contains essential information from a diverse pool of authors about research designs grounded in both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It includes information on popular datasets and leading resources of government statistics. In addition, the contributors cover a wide range of topics such as: the most current research on the link between guns and crime, rational choice theory, and the use of technology like geospatial mapping as a crime reduction tool. This invaluable reference work: Offers a comprehensive survey of international research designs, methods, and statistical techniques Includes contributions from leading figures in the field Contains data on criminology and criminal justice from Cambridge to Chicago Presents information on capital punishment, domestic violence, crime science, and much more Helps us to better understand, explain, and prevent crime Written for undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers, The Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice is the first reference work of its kind to offer a comprehensive review of this important topic.