Criminal Justice Research Methods

            It is frequently thought that criminal justice theories are common sense knowledge that all individuals should easily understand.  The uptake in scientific research in the field of criminal justice has relatively recently disproved that theory.  As this article states, “Sometimes common sense is nonsense” (Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods 2).  There have been a great deal of publications composed that aim at combating the issue of false common sense.    

            Many of the writings centered on disproving common sense theories were attacked because the views of so many people were being challenged.  Many of these misconceptions possessed by large amounts of the population are “common knowledge” for one reason – it has always been that way.  Beliefs that have been passed down for generations may be easily disproven, but they are not accepted due to pride, stubbornness, and a traditional mindset.  In today’s world, individuals are much more accepting of new information due to an exponential increase in technological advances.  Information that may lead to theories of modern knowledge is much more easily discovered and available due to this hi-tech progress.

            One problem with scientifically contradicting traditional knowledge is that the new information will eventually become common sense material.  Becoming a piece of conventional insight discredits the advancements made in social science research.  Little do many people know, much of today’s common sense theories stem from social science research.  Research methods in criminal justice have a lengthy history that involves terminology that one may not know and/or understand if they are not well educated in that field of study. 

            As this article states, “Criminology and criminal justice […] draw upon many fields both academic and applied” (Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods 6).  The ordered addition of the scientific method to these issues has afforded most important developments in the advancement of common sense and intelligence as a whole.  To ensure proper research techniques this editorial comments that it is “require[d] that ‘those concerned with good research should be objective and vigilant as well as sympathetic’” (Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods 7).  There are two main concepts when it comes to performing and evaluating effective research – qualitative and quantitative.

            Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods discloses that “qualitative research concepts are viewed as sensitizing ideas or terms that enhance our understanding” (7).  A traditional sociological approach, defined by Weber, is known as “Verstehen”, which translated from German means understanding or empathy.  In this approach, a further understanding of reality is the desired outcome of a researcher surrounding themselves with their preferred subject matter.  Growing with and observing participants in field studies and observational studies are examples of qualitative research methods.

Max Weber - Sociologist

            The material was well composed and generally suitable for the desired audience.  The author left the readers with a sense of thorough awareness of many topics surrounding criminal justice research methods.  The topics that were expounded upon include the history of social science research, the implications and discoveries brought about by this research, common misconceptions within social science research, methods for performing social science research, and many other detailed points.  The only criticism I felt towards this paper was a surplus of minute details that began to hinder intake important information.  Overall, it was a very information and well written piece.