Criminological Research Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the prefix 're' in the term 'research' indicate?

To repeat (correct)

To undermine

To begin

To cease

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of research?

Guesswork (correct)

Empirical

Systematic

Verifiable

In the context of criminological research, what is meant by 'comprehensive'?

Examining all aspects before drawing conclusions (correct)

Making quick assessments

Focusing on a single aspect of a problem

Relying solely on statistical data

What does 'valid' research mean?

Founded on actual findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of research as defined in the content?

To solve problems and expand knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of research ensures that findings can be checked by others?

Verifiable Signup and view all the answers

Which source of knowledge involves reliance on personal sensory experience?

Sensory Experience Signup and view all the answers

What does 'empirical' research signify?

Rooted in real-life observations and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of leadership skills being assessed for police investigators?

Operational, Strategic, Technical, Human Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect is the performance of police investigators primarily evaluated?

Investigation procedure at the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

How significant is the relationship between the level of leadership skills and the performance of police investigators?

It is highly significant Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of a well-defined research problem statement?

It lacks clarity and focus Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT directly relate to the performance evaluation of police investigators?

Public relations skills Signup and view all the answers

What problem might police investigators encounter in handling crime incidents?

Lack of adequate training and resources Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the measures suggested to enhance the performance of police investigators?

Providing ongoing training and skills development Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment aspect relates to the evaluation of a pre-charge investigation report?

Review evaluation of pre-charge investigation report Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of defining key terms in a research problem?

To establish a clear meaning of terms that may have different interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of definition is based on how a term will be used in a study?

Operational definition Signup and view all the answers

What do independent variables represent in research?

The cause that is thought to bring about changes in dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What role does an intervening variable play in research?

It is assumed to exist but cannot be controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a moderator variable?

A variable that can influence the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers define key terms to avoid ambiguity?

By defining them operationally and conceptually. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to specify the variables in a study?

It ensures objectivity and clarity in the research. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of variables is described as a property that takes on different values?

Variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of stating assumptions in research?

To presume truths that guide the study Signup and view all the answers

Which statement characterizes a hypothesis in research?

It serves as a tentative answer to the research problem Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a function of formulating a hypothesis in research?

Increasing subjectivity in the research Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a well-constructed hypothesis?

It should be stated in an empirically testable form Signup and view all the answers

How should assumptions in a study be derived?

Based on the research problem Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the null hypothesis (H0) from the alternative hypothesis?

The null hypothesis indicates no difference or relationship among variables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an assumption about the interpersonal values of inmates?

Inmates have their own concepts of what is good and desirable for themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect of a hypothesis that aids in research methodology?

It narrows down the variables involved for clarity Signup and view all the answers

What does an alternative hypothesis (H1) indicate in research?

The expected relationship between variables Signup and view all the answers

Why is the null hypothesis commonly used in research?

Statistical tests are available for its assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a theoretical framework in research?

To explain why the research problem exists Signup and view all the answers

In a cause-and-effect relationship, what role does the independent variable play?

It serves as the cause of changes Signup and view all the answers

What does the dependent variable represent in a research study?

The outcome affected by the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for formulating a theoretical framework?

It guarantees the results of the study Signup and view all the answers

What type of variables can influence a research study?

Independent and dependent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a good research hypothesis?

It is clearly stated and precise Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meaning of Research

Derived from the old French word "cerchier," meaning to seek or search.
Combines the prefix "re" (to repeat) and "search" (to find), literally translating to "to repeat looking."
Defined as a purposive, systematic, and scientific process for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve problems and expand knowledge for human life improvement.

Definition of Criminological Research

A careful, systematic study aimed at discovering or establishing facts or causations of crime within criminology or criminal justice.

Characteristics of Research

Systematic: Involves interrelated steps and procedures in problem solving.
Objectives: Based on empirical evidence rather than guesswork.
Comprehensive: Requires examining all aspects before drawing conclusions.
Critical: Research must withstand detailed scrutiny from peers.
Valid: Conclusions must reflect actual findings.
Verifiable: Results can be checked for correctness by other researchers.
Empirical: Generalizations are based on hard evidence from real-world observations.

Value of Research

Knowledge can be obtained through:
- Expert Opinion: Insights from professionals like lawyers and doctors.
- Sensory Experience: Information acquired through the senses.
- Agreement with Others: Knowledge shared by friends, colleagues, and family.

Research Problems

Focus on assessing police investigators’ leadership and operational skills, strategic skills, technical skills, and human skills.
Investigate the performance of police in handling crime incidents across various variables such as investigation procedures and documentation.
Identify problems faced by police investigators and recommend solutions for performance enhancement.

Stating the Research Problem

Clearly state what you want to describe, explain, or predict.
Ensure clarity in problem statement to guide the focus and direction of research.
Identify key factors or variables.

Key Terms and Variables

Key terms should be defined conceptually (expert definitions) or operationally (researcher-defined based on study context).
Variables are characteristics that can take on different values and can be classified into independent, dependent, intervening, or moderating variables.

Assumptions and Hypotheses

Assumptions are presupposed truths not needing proof but relevant to the problem.
Hypothesis: A predictive statement answering the research problem, guiding data collection and ensuring objectivity.
Hypotheses can be stated in null (no difference or relationship) or alternative forms (indicating expected relationships).

Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

Theoretical framework: Provides a structure supporting the study's theory, helping clarify the variables and guiding data collection and analysis.
Independent variables are causes, while dependent variables are effects based on changes in the independent variable.

General Research Insight

Ensuring study variables, problem definitions, and research frameworks contributes significantly to the overall integrity and direction of criminological research.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of criminological research, including its definition and purpose. You will learn about the systematic and scientific processes involved in gathering and analyzing data. Get ready to delve into the meaning of research and its significance in understanding criminal behavior.