Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have the potential to yield reliable, valid, and important information that can be used to inform public policy. Criminal justice researchers use a wide range of research methods, which vary depending on the research questions, the purpose of the study (applied versus pure research) and the overall paradigm and theoretical framework. Research can be used to validate or disprove an existing theory, alter or enhance an existing theory, generate a new theory based on phenomenology, or evaluate the effectiveness of a policy, program, or intervention (“Criminology Research Methods,” n.d.). Qualitative research methods are best used when the researchers are interested in participants’ perceptions, or seek open-ended answers to questions. Quantitative research methods are best used when the researchers want hard data in numerical form, which can be used to generate statistical analyses. Mixed-methods approaches can be tremendously helpful for criminal justice and social science researchers because of the fluid nature of social reality. Within the two broad categories of qualitative and quantitative methods, researchers have options for how to design their study and test their hypotheses. Qualitative and quantitative designs share some elements in common. Both qualitative and quantitative research begin with exploring topics of interest, perhaps within established theoretical boundaries. Furthermore, both qualitative and quantitative research starts by either taking...
Both quantitative and qualitative research methods rely on sampling a population. Ideally, random sampling is used to enhance internal and external validity. Other methods of sampling, such as convenience sampling, can harm validity whether the research is qualitative or quantitative. The main difference between quantitative and qualitative design is that the former yields numerical and/or statistical data, but there are other differences between these two methods that should be apparent to criminal justice researchers. For instance, whereas almost all qualitative research will be values-driven, quantitative research can generate raw data, simply numbers that are not guided by any research questions or the need to apply the results of the study to public policy or criminal justice programming. While there are certainly qualitative research designs that are exploratory and therefore not necessarily linked to a particular research hypothesis, most qualitative studies will be conducted for some practical human interest or relevance for applied criminology (Higgins, 2009).References
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“Criminology Research Methods,” (n.d.). Criminal Justice. Retrieved online: http://criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/criminology/research-methods/
Higgins, G.A. (2009). Quantitative vs. qualitative methods. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical crimninology 1(1). Retrieved online: http://jtpcrim.org/January_Articles/Quantitative_Vs_Qualitative_Methods_George_Higgins.pdf
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Criminal justice researchers are usually faced with numerous anecdotal data that is supported with relatively little to no empirical support. In order to effectively explore nuances of the issues that face the society with regards to law enforcement, criminal justice researchers tend to rely on empirical data, which is considered useful. The dependence on empirical data in criminal justice is evident in the fact that most of the existing criminology
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A variety of methods and designs can be used in criminal justice research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are valid approaches to the sociological questions researchers will have when faced with presenting problems and issues. Ideally, criminal justice research should remain relevant, grounded in theory, and applicable to public policy or practice. Criminal justice policies and procedures can and should be evidence-based. Scientific research helps to identify which interventions or
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