Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Focusing specifically on scientific research in criminal justice, the 4^th Edition of this text introduces students to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research in a uniquely applied, relevant manner easily understood by future criminal justice professionals.

Divided into four sections (introduction to research in criminal justice; sampling methods; statistics; and common errors in presenting and interpreting research findings and technology), the chapters are easy to read, accessible, and chock-full of real-world criminal justice examples and data. There are also helpful pedagogical resources such as chapter learning objectives, examples, and key terms along with an excerpt of the Code of Ethics from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences found at the end of the book.

This edition has been updated throughout to include descriptions of new practices and approaches, such as mixed methods data collection and analysis, and technological applications in data collection and analysis. In addition, some chapters have been combined to make room for new information such as an expanded discussion of qualitative research methods.

Jennifer M. Allen is a professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University. She has worked with juveniles in detention, on probation, and with those victimized by abuse and neglect. Dr. Allen has published in the areas of restorative justice, juvenile delinquency and justice, youth programming, police crime, and policing administration and ethics.

Jack D. Fitzgerald is Professor Emeritus at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he taught sociology, including research methods and statistics, at Knox College. He has written a number of textbooks, research reports, and articles in the professional literature.

Steven M. Cox was a member of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration faculty at Western Illinois University from 1975 to 2007. The author of numerous articles and textbooks, he also has served as trainer and consultant to numerous criminal justice agencies in the United States and abroad.