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Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology
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Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Second Edition


February 2022 | 664 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology connects key concepts to real field research and practices using contemporary examples and recurring case studies throughout the book that demonstrate how concepts relate to students’ lives. Authors Callie M. Rennison and Timothy C. Hart introduce practical research strategies used in criminal justice to show students how a research question can become a policy that changes or influences criminal justice practices. The book’s student-driven approach addresses both the "why" and the "how" as it covers the research process and focuses on the practical application of data collection and analysis. By demonstrating the variety of ways research can be used, and reinforcing the need to discern quality research, the book prepares students to become critical consumers and ethical producers of research. The Second Edition includes two new case studies woven throughout, and new expert profiles to highlight contemporary topics. Editable PowerPoint slides and a test bank are available to instructors at: https://edge.sagepub.com/rennison-research-methods-2e.

 
PART I: GETTING STARTED
 
Chapter 1: Why Study Research Methods?
 
PART II: SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR RESEARCH
 
Chapter 2: Identifying a Topic, a Purpose, and a Research Question
 
Chapter 3: Conducting a Literature Review
 
PART III: DESIGNING YOUR RESEARCH
 
Chapter 4: Concepts, Conceptualizations, Operationalizations, Measurements, Variables, and Data
 
Chapter 5: Sampling
 
PART IV: COLLECTING YOUR DATA
 
Chapter 6: Research Using Qualitative Data
 
Chapter 7: Survey Research
 
Chapter 8: Experimental Research
 
Chapter 9: Research Using Secondary Data
 
Chapter 10: GIS and Crime Mapping
 
Chapter 11: Evaluation Research
 
PART V: ANALYSIS, FINDINGS, AND WHERE TO GO FROM THERE
 
Chapter 12: Analysis and Findings
 
Chapter 13: Making Your Research Relevant
 
Chapter 14: Research Methods as a Career

Supplements

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Online resources included with this text

The online resources for your text are available via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site, which offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.

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Was already adopted by the prior prof. It is a good book and I kept it adopted. Very good at the grad level for students who have a lapse in methods from undergrad. Would not use in advanced classes.

Dr Ryan Mychal Getty
Social Sciences Dept, University Of Texas At Tyler
August 2, 2023

Great coverage of a variety of research methods topics used in criminal justice and criminology. The book is written in a way that is easy to follow and the examples demonstrate how to apply topics to research in the real world.

Professor Kristina Block
Criminal Justice & Criminology, Sam Houston State University
March 24, 2022
Key features
New to the Second Edition:
  • Two new case studies are woven throughout. The case studies were selected to reflect topics of great interest today. One of the new case studies features a PhD student presenting his journal publication. This was intentional to show students reading this book that they can publish research using the skills in this textbook.
  • Inclusion of several new expert profiles throughout the book. These new expert profiles highlight contemporary topics.
Hallmark features of the book:
  • Case studies:This text engages students by telling the story of the research process as it unfolds. This is done by following six researchers (throughout the book) who describe research they have conducted.
  • Equal treatment of research using qualitative and quantitative data: The book discusses the elements of research such as sampling, research questions, ethics, and pitfalls for both quantitative and qualitative data throughout.
  • Focus on careers: A theme in this text is that research methods skills can lead to a variety of rewarding careers. To highlight this, the have included career sections highlighting an expert using these skills in each chapter.
  • Focus on ethics: A repeating theme in each chapter is the vital importance of ethics. One limitation with other texts is that ethics as a topic are treated in a single chapter and then rarely spoken of again.
  • Inclusion of failure and pitfalls: Errors, or unanticipated bumps in the road are a normal part of research. This text repeatedly discusses what can go (and has gone) wrong to show that glitches are normal and that researchers must be nimble and ready to adjust plans if needed.
  • Research in Action boxes: These emphasize the ability of research to influence policy (in positive and negative ways), helping students understand the connection between research and policy.




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