Abstract Research includes any gathering of data, information, and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Those interested in the study of criminology and criminal justice has a wide range of research methods. Following the research process will strengthen the chance of obtaining a successful, well researched project. Introduction Research methods play an important role in the criminal justice system today. Effective research methods have the ability to open and close cases.
Those interested in the criminal justice field have a wide range of research methods at their disposal. The terminology involved is also a very important aspect when used in the study of criminology and criminal justice. This paper will include new terminology learned from my reading, how will this new terminology and knowledge apply to a career in criminal justice, how can not knowing the proper terminology affect you as I conduct criminal justice research, and how will knowing these terms be an asset to me when evaluating and analyzing studies or data? What is Research? Studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws” (” Research,” 2011). New Terminology Replication is repeating or copying something. An example of replication law enforcement replicating a crime to see how the crime was committed. Verification is confirming or validating something. A lie detector test verifies whether someone is telling the truth or not. Theory is in criminal justice represents an attempt to develop plausible explanations of reality, which in this case are crime and the criminal justice system. Theory attempts to classify and organize events, to explain the causes of events, to predict the direction of future events, and to understand why and how these events occur”. ( Hagen, 2010, Approaches to Theory and Method in Criminal Justice). An example of theory would be why serial killers kill random people or a specific group of people. “Paradigm is some implicit body of intertwined theoretical and methodological belief that ermits selection, evaluation, and criticism” ( Hagen, 2010, Approaches to Theory and Method in Criminal Justice). If I believed that the sky is green I would try to make others believe the same thing when they know the sky is really blue. Methodology is collection of facts that are true and information regarding the nature of the crime and the criminal justice policy. In order for law enforcement to collect all evidence and all witness accounts as to why John killed Jane. Pure or basic research is getting new knowledge for science, the development of the Field, or to expand ones knowledge.
Applied research is designed to solve practical problems of everyday life than getting knowledge just to get it. Crime analysis allows the researcher to analyze who is doing what to whom by focusing on crimes against a person or property which are in the category of rape, burglary, homicide, robbery, theft, etc. An example of crime analysis is government officials looking to see what crime are on the rise in different cities. Quantitative research, concepts are assigned numerical value, whereas in qualitative research, concepts are viewed as sensitizing ideas or terms that enhance our understanding. (Hagen 2010 Quantitative and Qualitative)
