Basics of research methods for criminal justice and criminology / Michael G. Maxfield, Earl R. Babbie.

Cover title: Basics of research methods for criminal justice & criminology.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 320-338) and indexes.

Part 1. An introduction to criminal justice inquiry -- Chapter 1. Criminal justice and scientific inquiry -- Chapter 2. Ethics and criminal justice research -- Part 2. Structuring criminal justice inquiry -- Chapter 3. General issues in research design -- Chapter 4. Concepts, operationalization and measurement -- Chapter 5. Experimental and quasi-experimental designs -- Part 3. Modes of observation -- Chapter 6. Sampling -- Chapter 7. Survey research -- Chapter 8. Qualitative interviewing -- Chapter 9. Field observation -- Chapter 10. Agency records, content analysis and secondary data -- Part 4. Application and analysis -- Chapter 11. Evaluation research and problem analysis.

A concise paperback based on Maxfield and Babbie's best-selling RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, this "basics" version combines accessibility and a conversational writing style with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice. In fewer than 400 pages, BASICS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, Fourth Edition, introduces students to the core of criminal justice research. It utilizes the most current, real data and features coverage of such key topics as ethics, causation, validity, field research, and research design, among others. 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. --Amazon.com