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Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods

NCJ Number
114145
Author(s)
G F Vito; E J Latessa; D G Wilson
Date Published
1988
Length
210 pages
Annotation
Designed as a textbook for criminal justice and criminology students, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to criminal justice research methods.
Abstract
Chapter one introduces students to the issues and purposes of criminal justice research and delineates the characteristics of the scientific method. Chapter two discusses the elements of basic statistics, while chapter three identifies ethical issues in criminal justice research. Later chapters cite methods for measuring crime and conducting criminal justice research. Design and survey research are defined and discussed, along with principles of sampling. Qualitative methodology, including specifics of observation, setting, and the recording and analysis of data are discussed. Scaling techniques and evaluative research are also explained. To aid the student, chapters conclude with key terms and study questions designed to review the material covered in the chapters. 11 chapters.