Methods

Introduction to Canadian Criminology

  • Editors: Dr. Shereen Hassan & Dan Lett

  • Institution: Kwantlen Polytechnic University

  • Open Education Resource: Licensed under CC BY 4.0, accessible for free at collection.bccampus.ca.

Human Inquiry through Research Methods

  • Chapter prepared by Dr. Shereen Hassan, Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Key Points about Social Science Methods

  • Western Practices: Most modern research methods are based on Western practices emphasizing objectivity and empiricism.

  • Worldviews: There are significant differences between Western and Indigenous worldviews, influencing research methodologies.

  • Research Process: Involves 9 steps, from planning to application.

  • Research Models:

    • Deductive Model: Begins with theory.

    • Inductive Model: Ends with theory.

  • Method Types:

    • Quantitative Methods: Linked to deductive model, involves numerical analysis.

    • Qualitative Methods: Linked to inductive model, involves thematic analysis.

  • Ethics: Ethical considerations are crucial, especially with Indigenous participants.

  • Crime Measurement in Canada: Key measures include:

    • Uniform Crime Report (police data)

    • General Social Survey (victim data)

    • Self-Report Data (offender data)

9 Step Research Process

  1. Planning: Identify objectives, conduct literature review, formulate research questions.

  2. Conceptualization: Narrow down questions, articulate concepts clearly.

  3. Choice of Method: Select appropriate methods (surveys, observations) based on research questions.

  4. Operationalization: Define how to measure concepts and develop specific survey questions.

  5. Sampling: Identify the population and choose sampling techniques to select participants.

  6. Data Collection: Execute chosen methods such as surveys or interviews.

  7. Data Processing: Convert raw data into usable form (e.g., via software like SPSS or Nvivo).

  8. Analysis: Summarize data, present findings using graphs, tables, and conduct statistical analysis.

  9. Application: Use conclusions to educate or influence policy, consider errors and future research steps.

Planning and Conceptualization

  • Planning: Identify objectives, review literature for existing theories, define research questions.

  • Conceptualization: Focus on critical research questions, continue literature review to identify gaps.

Method Choice and Operationalization

  • Choice of Method: Select a method appropriate for the research question (e.g., surveys for opinions).

  • Operationalization: Specify measurements, formulate specific wording for surveys.

Sampling and Data Collection

  • Sampling: Describe the larger population, determine suitable sampling techniques.

  • Data Collection: Implement methods such as surveys or interviews, and collect relevant data.

Data Processing and Analysis

  • Data Processing: Convert raw data into a format suitable for analysis using appropriate software.

  • Analysis: Compare findings with existing knowledge, summarize the data in interpretable forms.

Application of Findings

  • Use conclusions to inform and educate, consider future research possibilities.

Research Methodology Considerations

  • Deductive Research: Quantitative, hypothesis-driven, focuses on relationships between variables.

  • Inductive Research: Qualitative, exploratory, builds theories from observed data.

  • Two-Eyed Seeing: Blends Indigenous knowledge with conventional research methods for a comprehensive approach.

Specific Examples in Criminology

  1. Financial Exploitation of Elders:

    • Use of closed-ended surveys, ethical considerations, emphasis on Indigenous viewpoints.

  2. Spiritual Abuse of Elders:

    • Development of open-ended questions, requirement for tribal permissions, and thorough ethical training of interviewers.

Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research

  • Quantitative Research:

    • Tests hypotheses, relies on statistical analysis, uses closed-ended questions.

  • Qualitative Research:

    • Explores ideas and experiences, uses thematic analysis, relies on open-ended questions.

Measuring Crime in Canada

  • Uniform Crime Report: Police data and official crime statistics.

  • General Social Survey: Victimization experiences reflecting under-reporting issues.

  • Self-Report Data: Insights from offenders revealing unnoticed criminal behavior.

Ethical Considerations and Indigenous Knowledge

  • Understand the impact of social variables when reporting to avoid stereotypes.

  • Use evidence-informed practice, which incorporates Indigenous knowledge and respects data sovereignty.