Researching Crime
Introduction to Researching Crime
Research in Social Sciences:
Methodology: The theoretical basis and framework for research.
Methods: The tools used to collect data.
Both are distinct fields of study in criminology and sociology.
Criminological Research Diversity:
Researchers come from various fields and use many techniques.
A recent focus on reflecting on research approaches and results.
Chapter Focus: This chapter covers:
Criminological data.
Research methods used.
Using criminal statistics.
Research ethics.
The question: Whose 'side' are researchers on?
Key Questions:
What is criminological data?
What methods do criminologists use?
Why critically analyze criminal statistics?
Should criminological researchers 'take sides'?
Criminological Research Methods
Data Collection: Criminologists often create their own data.
Method Choice: Researchers pick methods based on their skills and interests.
Diverse Field: Criminology uses techniques from:
Psychological profiling.
Genetics.
Urban ethnography.
Cultural history.
Social theory.
Method Disputes: There are often disagreements on the 'best' methods, and researchers may not know about work outside their area.
Sociological Approaches: Historically, two main types:
Qualitative: Interviews, observation, ethnography.
Quantitative: Surveys, statistics, prediction studies.
Mixed Methods: Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Popular for evaluating policies and creating evidence-based interventions.
Experimental Criminology:
Goal: Tests theories in real-world criminal justice settings to find 'what works' through 'hard' evidence for policy.
History (Sherman, 2005): From Henry Fielding's -century policing experiments to modern randomized studies by the Academy of Experimental Criminology.
Current State: Sherman argues that experimental criminology is a key approach.