Basics of Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology

by Michael G. Maxfield

A concise, streamlined paperback that reflects the latest developments from the field, BASICS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, Fourth Edition combines a conversational writing style with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice. In fewer than 400 pages, this popular, student-friendly text introduces you to the core of criminal justice research using the most current, real data available. It features coverage of such key topics as ethics, causation, validity, field research, research design, and more. The Fourth Edition includes expanded coverage of qualitative research and interviewing, focus groups in criminological research, and snowball sampling, as well as additional examples of student research. Balancing coverage of both qualitative and quantitative methods, the text is packed with real-world examples, practical applications, and Internet research exercises that help you "get" the basics of research methods.

Genres: Nonfiction

368 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.