Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology connects key concepts to real field research and practices using contemporary examples and recurring case studies throughout the book that demonstrate how concepts relate to students’ lives. Authors Callie M. Rennison and Timothy C. Hart introduce practical research strategies used in criminal justice to show students how a research question can become a policy that changes or influences criminal justice practices. The book’s student-driven approach addresses both the "why" and the "how" as it covers the research process and focuses on the practical application of data collection and analysis. By demonstrating the variety of ways research can be used, and reinforcing the need to discern quality research, the book prepares students to become critical consumers and ethical producers of research. TheSecond Edition includes two new case studies woven throughout, and new expert profiles to highlight contemporary topics. Editable PowerPoint slides and a test bank are available to instructors.

PART I: GETTING STARTED
Chapter 1: Why Study Research Methods?
PART II: SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR RESEARCH
Chapter 2: Identifying a Topic, a Purpose, and a Research Question
Chapter 3: Conducting a Literature Review
PART III: DESIGNING YOUR RESEARCH
Chapter 4: Concepts, Conceptualizations, Operationalizations, Measurements, Variables, and Data
Chapter 5: Sampling
PART IV: COLLECTING YOUR DATA
Chapter 6: Research Using Qualitative Data
Chapter 7: Survey Research
Chapter 8: Experimental Research
Chapter 9: Research Using Secondary Data
Chapter 10: GIS and Crime Mapping
Chapter 11: Evaluation Research
PART V: ANALYSIS, FINDINGS, AND WHERE TO GO FROM THERE
Chapter 12: Analysis and Findings
Chapter 13: Making Your Research Relevant
Chapter 14: Research Methods as a Career