Criminal Justice Research Methods ─ Theory and Practice

Striking a new tone, written in a straightforward manner with perplexing research language and associated complexities kept to a minimum, the first edition of Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice broke new ground. Keeping this trademark style, the second edition covers important developments and updated examples in research methods and procedures, providing real-world scenarios to demonstrate techniques as well as practical and theoretical aspects for each method.

The authors discuss scientific inquiry, establishing a framework for thinking about and understanding the nature of research. They examine various types of research methods in the broad categories of quantitative, qualitative, and evaluation designs and provide coverage of analytical and experimental research designs. The book also examines survey methods, survey instruments, and questionnaires, including wording, organization, and pretesting. It describes the fundamental characteristics of the qualitative approach, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion of the participant observation and case study methods of research. Other topics include ethical standards of conduct, topic selection, literature review, and guidelines for writing a research report or grand proposal.

Defining a clear approach to the study of research, the book covers a sufficient amount of material to allow first-time research students to get "comfortable." It prepares students who are experiencing their initial exposure to research to go out into the real world and become proficient researchers in criminal justice and criminology.

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.