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Research Methods in Criminal JusticeStudent’s NameProfessor’s Name:April 17, 2013-Research Methods in Criminal Justice Crime and criminal justice have been a topic of research and discussion for over decades in all cultures across the globe. For over many years we have seen an un upward trend in crime and so in the criminology and deducing the psyche of those who commit the crimes. Crime has been on the rise in various states over the last few years. There have been various research methods in space of criminal justice and crime analysis for the betterment of the society and its residents.In the recent past, we have witnessed that there have been many new technologies and tools introduced to map and research the crime. Various research methods and theories have been stressed upon and they really help and support the entire process of crime mapping. This certainly makes us think to explore and understand the various theories applied in research in criminal justice which can further assist and expedite the entire crime mapping procedure for the betterment of everyone in the society. “It is axiomatic that accurate and valid data and research information on both crime and victimization are critical for an understanding of crime in the United States and for any assessment of the quality of the activities and programs of the criminal justice system.” (Pepper and Petrie, 2003)We also need to realise the importance theories have to play in this whole process. Theories define, assume, propose, explain, and predict what the research outcome is likely to be. Whether, it will be right or wrong. It is an integrated body of propositions, assumptions, and definitions that are interpreting and forecasting connections and relationship between two or more variables.In short what exactly is theory in case of research methods in criminal justice? Well, it can be characterised as a systematic interpretation of the applicable observed facts & regulations that can relate to a specific aspect of the crime which has been committed, probably propositions interpreting why incidents of misdeed happen in a specific latest trend as they have.As outlined by experts and researchers, there are four key theories in this domain. They are mentioned below:Deductive TheoryInductive TheoryGrounded TheoryAxiomatic Theory But, before we get in the details of each of these theories it is very important to understand the idea of ‘Concepts’ and definition of conceptualization as it is a very important part of theory and so are variables. Concepts are abstract elements and have a very important role to play in criminal theories. Concepts and conceptualization has an important role in both deductive and inductive theory. “Conceptualization is defined as the process of specifying what we mean by a term. In deductive research, conceptualization helps to translate portions of an abstract theory into testable hypotheses involving specific variables. In inductive research, conceptualization is an important part of the process used to make sense of related observations” ( Schutt and Bachman, 2010). Thus conceptualization has a very important role. Now coming back to theories, there are two key logical systems Deductive and Inductive. The two methods are used to arrive at a conclusion founded on data presumed to be factual. Deductive reasoning arrives at a specific conclusion based on generalizations. Inductive reasoning takes events and makes generalizations. In the inductive method, the process of research starts with observation, followed by data collection about crime situation and then arriving at results.Deductive logic uses a top-down approach to logic: from general to specific. The beginning issue is generally an idea pursued by a hypothesis, or a delineation of an idea which can be tested. Further, we collect observations that finally lead us to be able to test the hypotheses with exact data. The check can lead to verify or disapprove the hypothesis and theory. Simply put, it is a step-by-step process of drawing conclusions based on previously known truths. Inductive approach uses a bottom-up approach to logic: from specific to general. The starting point is usually specific observations, followed by detecting patterns and regularities and then a tentative hypothesis is formed (which can be tested) leading to a general theory. Thus, Inductive reasoning can be defined as the process by which a general conclusion is reached from evaluating specific observations or situations.It was found that way back in the year 1967, ‘Grounded theory’ which was termed so by Glaser and Strauss was discovered. The grounded theory actually is based on inductive method of theory construction. It uses the observations and then arrives at result based on those observations. It is also called field research. Based on the discussion and past experience, it can be said that the inductive theory is often more applicable and practical in case of criminal justice. It is because it uses facts and truth to support a theory. But first one starts with a theory and assumption of the case. In this case the direction of research is more likely to be correct. “Survey research may be used to reveal patterns of attitudes that suggest particular theoretical explanations. Barbara Hart suggests that ground theory development is used by most practitioners to develop explanations that fit what they observe in individual cases. These theories then guide future actions until new cases or patterns occur that cannot be explained by their theory.” (Theory of Criminal Justice Research, (n.d.))There is another popular approach in this entire process and that is the axiomatic theory or approach which actually works on Axioms. Axioms are defined as any set of fundamental assumptions that are not proven to be true yet are taken as true.Now looking at similarities and dissimilarities in these theories, one can say that there are many. Let us begin with the similarities between the deductive and grounded theories, these two are complementary as the data collected in the grounded will get used while using the deductive method. The similarities in deductive and axiomatic theory are about the formation of views, however in deductive theory one uses the facts to prove the point one already knows. While in the axiomatic theory we just accept whatever is told or stated. As far as the better theory is concerned, one can say the se of deductive and inductive theory in combination is the best approach. “Both deductive and inductive reasoning are valid avenues for criminal justice and social scientific research. Moreover, they work together to provide even more powerful and complete understandings.” ( Maxfield and Babbie, 2011) Now let us look at the idea of hypothesis. Hypothesis, is stated to be a specific expectations about empirical reality in connect with the crime which is actually derived from propositions. Hypothesis is a very important part. Now comparing hypothesis and theory, one can say that the similarity is that theory works towards a result while in hypothesis that result is already predicted. Variables are defined as being the counterpart of concepts and the variables can actually be observed and take different values. The variables are said to be an important part of the theoretical scheme because, it is the variables that by functioning with others actually decide the final results of a theory.Criminal justice system is an important part of any society and criminal justice research and theories play a strong role in maintaining harmony in the society. Laws are made with the objective to protect the society from any disturbance or disharmony and ensure that the citizen get a chance to live in a safe, equal treated and peaceful environment.Conclusion To ensure this objective is achieved well, there are several criminal justice research methods and theories and look into a crime. The idea behind the criminal justice system and these theories is to create a system which can defend the innocent, help in identifying the guilty, zeroing on the motive of the crime, finding clues and penalize the at fault but at the same time ensuring no violation of law or privileges occurs in this process of ensuring well for the larger good of the society. And for this purpose a good understanding of theories is very important.ReferencesSchutt, R and Bachman, R. (2010). Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice. SAGE Publications. Maxfield, M and Babbie, E. (2011). Basics Of Research Methods For Criminal Justice And Criminology. Cengage Learning. Pepper, J and Petrie, C. (2003). Measurement Problems in Criminal Justice Research: Workshop Summar. Committee on Law and Justice (CLAJ) and Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT).
2 assignments criminal justice

2 assignments criminal justice

Question # 00000253 Posted By: elliemay Updated on: 07/29/2013 01:28 PM Due on: 07/31/2013
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RJS405-1301B-01 Research Methods and Statistics for Criminal Justice

Assignment Name:

Unit 4 Individual Project

Deliverable Length:

3–5-page paper

Details:

Library Research Assignment

Use the library, Internet, or any other available resources to write a 3–5-page paper that addresses the following questions:

  • Consider the possible stakeholders for your research project.Who are they?
  • What social, political, or personal factors might influence the direction of your research?
  • What interest groups would be involved?
  • What patterns might influence the direction of your research?
  • What are the possible policy implications of your research?
  • Provide some examples of policies that might result from your research.

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Assignment Name:

Unit 5 Individual Project

Deliverable Length:

6–8-page proposal

Details:

Library Research Assignment

Use the library, Internet, and other available resources to develop a 6–8 page research proposal that includes the following:

  • Introduction to your topic and related issues (variables)
  • Purpose statement
  • Literature review
  • Research question and hypothesis
  • The research methodology to be used
  • Any questionnaires, interview questions, or research tools that you intend to use
  • How your results will be measured and analyzed
  • How your results will be presented
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