Synopsis
A classic in its field, this best-selling book teaches general research methods using standard and contemporary examples of criminal justice and criminology research. Featuring both qualitative and quantitative studies, the author helps students develop fundamental research skills and acquaints them with the literature of the field. This edition features updated tables, figures and examples and includes new information on prison research, Internet resources and visual criminology. Some of these examples include:
- Discussion of Zimbardo’s “Lucifer effect”
- Controversies related to The Minerva Consortium and The Human Terrain System
- Steffensmeier and Ullmer’s Confessions of a Dying Thief
- The Scarlet M in corrections research
- Resolution in the Iowa “Monster study” and more!
Booknews
Focusing on the theoretical, methodological, and ethical aspects of conducting research, this textbook discusses research design, data- gathering, surveys, participant observation and case studies, unobtrusive measures and secondary analysis, validity and reliability, scaling and index construction, data analysis and statistics, and policy analysis. Appendices offer guidance on writing reports and crafting proposals, along with presenting additional coverage of statistics, curve areas, and chi-square distribution. A glossary and random number chart are provided. Hagan teaches at Mercyhurst College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)