Criminological Research Basics

Study Notes

The word "research" is derived from the French word "cerchier," meaning "to seek or search."
Research is a systematic, scientific process that involves gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data.
Its purpose is to solve problems, predict outcomes, discover truth, expand knowledge, or verify existing knowledge, ultimately improving human life.
Criminological Research specifically aims to study knowledge in the field of criminology or criminal justice to understand the causes and facts of crime.

Systematic: Research follows a set of interconnected steps or procedures.
Objective: It is not based on assumptions or guesses.
Comprehensive: Research requires examining and analyzing all aspects of a phenomenon before drawing conclusions.
Critical: The methods used must withstand scrutiny by other researchers.
Valid: Conclusions must be based on actual findings.
Verifiable: Results must be reproducible by other researchers using the same methods.
Empirical: Generalizations are rooted in evidence gathered from real-life experiences or observations.

Expert Opinion: Knowledge from professionals like lawyers or doctors.
Sensory Experience: Information gathered through the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell).
Agreement with Others: Information from friends, colleagues, and family.
Reasoning: Applying general observations to specific cases.
Common Sense: Practical judgment based on intuition and experience.
Research: The most reliable source of knowledge due to its use of the scientific method.

Helps understand what works in law enforcement, prosecution, legal services, courts, communities, and correctional institutions.
Informs the development of criminal justice policies.
Equips students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret data.
Identifies more effective approaches to law enforcement and justice administration.
Enables students to critically evaluate research studies in criminology.

Academic Research: Conducted by individuals pursuing academic degrees (e.g., theses, dissertations).
Research Projects: Conducted by individuals or groups for professional work or assignments.

Pure or Theoretical Research: Aims to formulate theories, principles, or laws, with no immediate practical application in mind.
Applied Research: Tests or evaluates a theory or knowledge to solve a problem or achieve practical results.

Quantitative Research: Measures and quantifies criminological or criminal justice realities.
Qualitative Research: Seeks to understand experiences as participants perceive them.

Descriptive Research: Aims to systematically and objectively describe a situation, problem, or phenomenon.
Correlational or Associational Research: Examines the relationship or connection between two or more variables.
Experimental Research: Manipulates variables to test cause-and-effect relationships.
Comparative Research: Compares different groups, situations, or phenomena.
Historical Research: Examines past events to understand current trends or predict future outcomes.
Evaluation Research: Assesses the effectiveness of programs, policies, or interventions.
Action Research: Aims to solve practical problems in a specific setting.