General characteristics of criminal justice research are discussed, followed by consideration of the nature and functions of perspectives in general and social science perspectives in particular in the study of human behavior. The chapter on research methodology and design addresses the choice of a research topic, definitions of concepts and variables, selection of a research design, triangulation, and replication and computer simulations. A review of sampling covers probability and nonprobability sampling, sample size, and determination of the population to be sampled. Chapters on research tools and techniques encompass questionnaires and interviews, document research, observation, physical evidence, and experiments. Chapters also discuss descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, common sources of error in presenting research findings, preparing and reading research reports, and computers in criminal justice research. Appendixes contain a table of random numbers, areas under the normal curve, the chi square table, and a research ethics statement. Glossary, 70 selected readings, and subject index.