1. Research & Writing in CJ
Chapter 1: Research: What, Why, and How

2. The Nature of Scientific Inquiry
Why take a research class?
Scientific investigation is similar to criminal investigation:
The use of a logical order and established procedures to solve real-world problems
Whether or not you do, you will be affected by research
Need to have base understanding of it

3. Social Science Research & the “Real World”
Police Officers: has a crime been committed (what and when), who did it, how, why
Theories not developed in a vacuum
Products of trial-and-error experiments
Refined and reapplied
Police-deployment strategies, legal processes, & correctional techniques  based upon prior theory and research

4. Social Science Research & the “Real World”
Scientific method seeks to provide a means of investigation to correct (or at least limit) the inaccuracies of ordinary human inquiry
Babbie: we learn from direct observation and what we are taught by others
How we interpret … is based on tradition and authority

5. Social Science Research & the “Real World”
Authority refers to new knowledge provided from observations of others whom we respect
Importance depends upon qualifications relative to subject being discussed

6. Science vs. Casual Inquiry
Causal inquiry may be flawed due to:
Inaccurate observation
Over-generalization
Selective observation
Illogical reasoning

7. Science vs. Casual Inquiry
Science seeks to reduce the possibility of the above errors occurring by imposing order and rigor on our observations.
The means of doing so is the application of the scientific method

8. The Scientific Method
Seeks to prevent the errors of casual inquiry by utilizing procedures that specify objectivity, logic, theoretical understanding, and knowledge of prior research in the development and use of a precise measurement instrument designed to accurately record observations.

9. The Scientific Method Criminal investigation – search for “the facts”
Criminal trial – search for the “truth”
Scientific method – search for knowledge

10. The Scientific Method
Empiricism: seeking answers to questions through direct observation
Skepticism: search for disconfirming evidence and the process of continuing to question the conclusions and evidence found
Objectivity: mandates that conclusions are based upon careful observations that see the world as it really is, free from personal feelings or prejudices

11. The Scientific Method
Ethical Neutrality: stresses researcher’s beliefs or preferences will not be allowed to influence the research process or its outcomes
Parsimony: the attempt to reduce the sum of possible explanations to the smallest possible number

12. The Scientific Method
Accuracy: requires observations be recorded in a correct manner exactly as they occurred
Precision: specifying the number of subcategories of a concept that are available

13. Theory Deals with “what is,” not “what should be”
An attempt to explain why a particular social activity or event occurs
A generalization about the phenomenon being studied from which more precise statements (concepts) are developed

14. Theory Hypotheses: specific measurable statements
It’s through observation and measurement that validity of a hypothesis is examined
Validity: correctness or ability to actually predict what it seeks to examine
If hypotheses cannot be rejected, then support for the theory is shown
Relationship b/w theory & research me be inductive or deductive

15. Inductive Logic
Researcher observes an event, makes empirical generalizations about the activity, and constructs a theory based upon them
Newton’s alleged formulation of the Theory of Gravity is an example

16. Deductive Logic Begins with a theoretical orientation
Researcher then develops research hypotheses that are tested by observation
Observations lead to empirical generalization that either support or challenge the theory in question

17. What Research Is
The conscientious study of an issue, problem, or subject
Research creates questions with the goal of providing answers
“Research is the scientific investigation into or of a specifically identified phenomenon and is applicable to recognizable and undiscovered phenomena.”

18. Applied Research
An inquiry of a scientific nature designed and conducted with practical application as its goal
Collection of data and analyses so the applications of the results can influence change

19. Basic Research “Pure” research
Conducting of scientific inquiries that may offer little promise or expectation of immediate, direct relevance
More common nature of this research is descriptive

20. Multipurpose Research
The scientific inquiry into an issue or problem that could be both descriptive and evaluative.
It is between basic and applied research.

21. Types of Research Descriptive Explanatory Predictive
Intervening Knowledge

22. Descriptive Research
Helps us to gain a better grasp about an issue or problem we know little about
Very common in criminal justice and criminological research
Results might be informative but what can be done with this knowledge is often limited

23. Explanatory Research Tries to tell us why something occurs
Knowing the causes behind something can assist in finding ways to counteract the behavior or the problem

24. Predictive Research Helps to establish future action
Useful to all criminal justice practitioners
Gives some foresight into what may happen if something is implemented or tried

25. Intervening Research
Allows one to intercede before a problem or issue gets too difficult to address
Can be significant when a problem arises that currently available means are not addressing

26. Why Research is Necessary
Curiosity
Addressing Social Problems
Development and Testing of Theories

27. Factors that Influence Research Decisions
Social and Political Influences
Practicality
Ethical Considerations

28. How Research is Done Identifying the Problem Research Design
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Reporting

29. Questions to Consider
Does the research problem involves question(s) of value rather than fact?
Is the solution to the research question already predetermined, effectively annulling the findings?
Is it impossible to conduct the research effectively and efficiently?
Are the research issues vague and ill defined?