Criminal Justice Research Methods
Theory and Practice, Second Edition
By Gerald J. Bayens, Cliff Roberson
Published December 13th 2010 by CRC Press – 300 pages
Description
- Updated examples
- Reworked exercises
- Additional discussion points
- New research-in-action sections
The study of research methodologies can be daunting to many students due to complex terminology, mathematical formulas, and lack of practical examples. Now in its second edition, Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice continues its tradition of offering a straightforward, easy-to-understand text that clarifies this complex subject matter, keeping perplexing research language and associated complexities to a minimum and ensuring that students get a practical grasp of this essential topic.
New in the Second Edition:
After an illuminating introduction, the authors describe research design, the strategic plan that guides a research study. They present the basic principles of statistics that students of research need to know and they describe the measurement of data and how its validity and reliability are determined. They explain the differences between analytical and experimental research and describe survey research methods and sampling.
Chapters on participant observation and case studies, different types of data analysis, and the complex issues surrounding ethics in research give students real-world exposure to the issues they are likely to confront in practice. The final chapters discuss the development of research plans, explain how to write research reports, provide tips on program evaluation and policy research, and offer advice on grant proposals.
Defining a clear approach to the study of research, the book enables student experiencing their initial exposure to this subject to be fundamentally prepared to be proficient researchers in criminal justice and criminology.
Contents
Introduction to Research
Nature of Criminal Justice Research
What is Research?
Research Processes
Pure Versus Applied Research
Scientific Inquiry
Assessing Goodness of Theory
Constructing Scientific Theories
Research Hypotheses
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Research Design
What is Research Design?
Types of Research Designs
Research Purposes
Choice of Research Design
Levels of Measurement
Validity and Reliability
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Statistics in Research
Introduction
Role of Statistics
Basic Principles and Conventions
Descriptive Statistics
Data Grouping
Inferential Statistics
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Measures, Validity, and Reliability
Introduction
Measurement
Variables
Indexes and Scales
Validity and Reliability
Summary
Terminology
Discussion points
Endnotes
Analytical and Experimental Research
Analytical Research
Experimental Research
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Survey Research Methods and Sampling
Introduction
Purposes of Survey Research
Types of Survey Research
In-Person Interviews
Telephone Survey
Using Computers in Survey Research
Mail Surveys
Designing Questionnaires
Comparison of Types of Survey Research
Sampling
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Participant Observation and Case Studies
Introduction
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research Strategies
Participant Observation
Features of Observation
Case Studies
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Descriptive, Historical, and Archival Data Analyses
Introduction
Descriptive Research
Historical Research
Archival or Document Research
Replication of Previous Research
Locating Documents
Reviewing Related Literature
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Ethics in Research
Introduction
Academy of Criminal Justice Science (ACJS) Code of
Ethics
Neutral and Impartial Research
Research Involving Humans
Analysis and Reporting
American Association for Public Opinion Research
(AAPOR) Code of Ethics
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Developing Research Plans
Introduction
Topic Selection
Refining Topic and Narrowing Focus of Research
Literature Review
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Writing Research Reports
Introduction
When to Begin Writing
Preparatory Tips
Components of Report
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Program Evaluation and Policy Research
Introduction
Defining Evaluation Research
Purposes of Program Evaluation
Categories of Program Evaluation Research
Choosing a Program Evaluation
Policy Research
Policy Research Planning
Policy Research Reporting
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Writing Research and Grant Proposals
Introduction
Getting Started
Building a Blueprint
Overview of Proposal Process
Recommended Steps for Obtaining State and Federal
Funding
Bases for Rejection
Selection Criteria
Peer Review
Project Termination
Summary
Terminology
Discussion Points
Endnotes
Index
Author Bio
Gerald J. Bayens, PhD, is a professor and chair of the Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Department at Washburn University. He also provides direct services and technical assistance to criminal justice agencies, focusing on strategic planning and policy development.
Cliff Roberson, LLM, PhD, is the editor-in-chief of the Professional Issues in Criminal Justice Journal and is academic chair for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program of Kaplan University. He is also an emeritus professor of criminal justice at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas.
Name: Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice, Second Edition (Paperback) – CRC Press
Description: By Gerald J. Bayens, Cliff Roberson.
The study of research methodologies can be daunting to many students due to complex terminology, mathematical formulas, and lack of practical examples. Now in its second edition, Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice continues its...
Categories: Research Methods in Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Research Methods - Soc. Policy, Crime Statistics
