Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods

′Noaks and Wincup′s book is useful primarily to criminology students for its clarity, use of illustrative case studies, exercises and end-of-chapter suggested further reading′

- The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice

Criminological Research offers a comprehensive guide to both the theory and practice of qualitative criminological research.

Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how a variety of methods and approaches work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Practically focused throughout, the book also offers constructive advice for students analysing and writing their research projects.

Key features of the book include:

- An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches

- A variety of `real-life′ examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader

- A set of practical exercises and further reading sections in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focussed throughout

- A broad coverage - includes discussions of ethnography, interviewing, documentary evidence and data-analysis

- A detailed and practical discussion of the politics of research, such as issues of access, ethics and confidentiality

The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which makes it accessible to students. Written by experts in the field, it will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers, helping them to undertake effective research in both criminology and courses in qualitative research in related disciplines.

Dr Noaks’ work is interdisciplinary which is reflected in her appointment as a lecturer in Criminology and Social Work. Throughout her academic career Policing has been a major strand of her research interest. This culminated in PhD research undertaken in the period 1996-2000. The focus of this doctoral research was the movement in England and Wales towards privatisation of security and the impact of such developments on citizen’s perception of risk. The research explores the extent to which commodification of security represents a fundamental shift in residents’ experience of social control. This work has been successfully disseminated through international publications (see projects) and conferences. It is regarded as an important piece of work that addresses a key ‘knowledge gap’ in citizen’s experience of plural policing.

I joined the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 2019 after an academic career spanning over 20 years, teaching and researching criminology and criminal justice. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is a UK-based independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty. In my role as research manager I have particular responsibility for qualitative research.