Basics of Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology

by Michael G. Maxfield, Earl R. Babbie

Reflecting the trend away from comprehensive hardback books toward briefer, paperbacks, BASICS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, 3e combines accessibility and a conversational writing style with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice in a concise, streamlined paperback. In fewer than 400 pages, this popular book introduces you to the core of criminal justice research using the most current, real data available. Reflecting the latest developments from the field, it features coverage of such key issues as ethics, causation, validity, field research, research design, and more. The Third Edition also includes expanded coverage of web-based research and how to access and utilize new CJ data sets. Balancing coverage of both qualitative and quantitative methods, the text is packed with real-world examples, practical applications, and Internet research exercises.

Genres: Nonfiction

335 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Christopher Sedelmaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been using this book for several years as my primary text in my undergraduate research methods course at UNH (actually, the version pictured here is the first edition - the third edition is forthcoming). Granted, I'm a touch biased; the full version of the text was my graduate research methods text book, and Dr. Maxfield was my professor (at Rutgers at the time).

This text is very accessible, and includes plenty of examples of research in action to illustrate the various methods of gathering data and conducting criminal justice research. It's a great introduction to research methods, and has been helpful in combating the "why do I have to take this course?" attitude that we often face in research methods and statistics courses in the social sciences.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview to doing research in criminology.

[Rachel Bayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best intro to basic statistics I've read. Very clear and plenty of detail to help you sort through the differences in various techniques.