Methods of Criminological Research

Examining the different ways in which data can be collected and analyzed for research on crime and criminal justice, this book deals with social surveys, experimental methods, official statistics, observation and detailed interviews. This practical text includes sections on:

* methods of criminological research
* types of data
* measuring and explaining crime
* studying the criminal justice system
* gaining access
* publishing results.

Throughout, it emphasizes the necessity of examining forms of data collection and analysis within the context of the criminological problems being investigated, the theoretical approaches used to address these problems, and the political and institutional contexts within which research takes place.

Preface Theories, methods, politics and problems Introduction; The criminological enterprise; Conclusion Methods of criminological research Introduction; Types of data; Social surveys; Experiments; Observation; Informal interviews; Data and method; The theoretical connection; Concluding comments Measuring and explaining crime Introduction; Measuring the extent of crime; Explaining crime: quantative research; Conclusion Studying the criminal justice system Introduction; 'Objects' as subjects; Politics of criminological inquiry; Gaining access: research in prisons; Collecting data: researching the police; Publishing results: plea-bargaining in court; Getting research used: the short, sharp shock; Conclusion Conclusion References; Index