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Criminology

  • Definition: The scientific study of crime and criminals.

  • How is criminology scientific?

    • Criminology is characterized by rigor and systematic methods.

Scientific Rigor

  • Definition: Scientific rigor refers to the adherence to high standards of scientific research.

    • Involves using the best practices for scientific inquiry.

    • Rigor includes careful and precise science, with clear documentation enabling replication by others.

Systematic Approach

  • Definition: To act systematically means to follow a methodical approach according to established rules or plans.

    • In scientific study, this involves designing a study first and executing it according to that design, thoroughly documenting all observations made.

Research and Understanding

  • Purpose of Research: Research assists in making sense of the world by:

    • Constantly constructing inferences and assumptions regarding cause and effect.

    • Researchers strive to uncover 'truths' about the world.

    • The focus of criminology classes is on strategies to comprehend the world, particularly concerning crime, through research methodologies.

Definition of Research

  • Research translates general interests into specific, researchable questions.

  • It involves concrete research procedures that guide action plans from broad topic ideas to specific investigative frameworks.

Importance of Scientific Methods in Criminology

  • Reasons for Using Science:

    • It provides accurate information about crime problems.

    • Helps determine effective solutions and identifies what does not work.

    • However, there are reasons science isn't always utilized in criminology, potentially due to reliance on other belief systems or traditions.

Competing with Science

Common Sense

  • Definition: It is sound judgment based on a basic understanding of situations or facts.

    • Sources of common sense knowledge include:

    • Personal Experience: What individuals know based on their own lives.

    • Tradition: Collective wisdom; what is conventionally believed.

    • Authority: Information obtained from experts in the field.

Media Influence

  • The media is a significant source of information that may influence society's understanding of crime by:

    • Making inferences and assumptions concerning cause and effect based on headlines such as:

    • "Sex abuse terms 'not long enough'"

    • "Child sex sentences too lenient".

Pitfalls in Reasoning

Inaccurate Observation

  • Definition: This occurs when individuals mistakenly observe facts or misdescribe what they observe.

    • Example: A victim recalling five offenders in a store, which was shown to be inaccurate based on surveillance footage revealing only three offenders.

Overgeneralization

  • Definition: Drawing broader conclusions based on limited observations or data.

    • Fact: Cannabis use peaks between the ages of 16 to 18.

    • Misconception: Overgeneralizing to state that all illegal drug use peaks at this age is incorrect; for instance, cocaine use is highest in young adulthood.

Selective Observation

  • Definition: This involves seeking only evidence that confirms pre-existing beliefs or biases.

    • Example: The belief that marijuana is a 'gateway drug' facilitating the use of more serious drugs like cocaine or heroin.

The Sociological Imagination

  • Definition: Described as “the vivid awareness of the relationship between experience and the wider society.”

    • It enables individuals to understand the interplay between personal experiences and historical context, articulating how these two facets connect within societal frameworks.

    • Cited work: "The Sociological Imagination" by C. Wright Mills, noted for its analysis on the connections between history and biography.

Research Methodologies in Criminology

Descriptive Research

  • Definition: Aims to provide a precise description or estimate of social phenomena.

    • Questions addressed might include:

    • "What is the violent crime rate in Vancouver?"

    • "How many people use the skytrain each day?"

    • "Is high school graduation rate increasing?"

Exploratory Research

  • Definition: Seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of largely unknown or poorly understood topics.

    • Examples of inquiry:

    • "How do extremist groups select their targets?"

    • "What assistance do women who become pregnant while addicted to drugs receive?"

    • "How do women participate in methamphetamine markets?"

Explanatory Research

  • Definition: Focuses on examining the relationships between social phenomena, exploring how two elements interact.

    • Questions might include:

    • "What is the effect of dropping out of school on lifetime earnings?"

    • "How does the unemployment rate relate to the crime rate?"

    • "What is the relationship between higher education and police use of force?"

Evaluation Research

  • Definition: Evaluates and assesses the effects of policies and programs.

    • Elements of evaluation research include:

    • Problem Analysis: Identifying the issues a policy or program aims to address.

    • Impact Evaluation: Assessing the outcomes the policy or program has on its targets.

    • Process Evaluation: Evaluating the effective implementation of the policy or program.

    • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Determining whether the policy or program is cost-effective in achieving its goals.