PART II: Research Approaches (Criminological Research)

Summary

This lecture delves into various criminological research approaches, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right method based on the research problem. It distinguishes between basic and applied research, idiographic and nomothetic, inductive and deductive, and qualitative and quantitative methods. The lecturer illustrates each approach with examples, highlighting how different methods can be used to answer unique research questions and contribute to the field of criminology.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Research approaches in criminology are varied and should be chosen based on the specific situation, conditions, environment, resources, and visibility of the topic.
• 📚 Basic research generates advanced knowledge without immediate practical applications, but can be used to create intervention programs.
• 🛠️ Applied research is time and resource-consuming, aiming to inform authorities on promising policies to improve practice in criminal justice fields.
• 👥 Idiographic research focuses on in-depth investigation of one or a few cases, providing a holistic view of the situation or problem.
• 📊 Nomothetic research examines many cases but only a few factors, allowing for generalizations but limiting the depth of information gathered.
• 🌱 Inductive research involves creating a theory from data patterns, starting from specific observations to form a general hypothesis or theory.
• 📉 Deductive research tests existing theories using specific data, moving from a general theory to specific observations.
• 🔢 Quantitative research uses numerical data, such as crime statistics, and often involves surveys and statistical analysis.
• 📝 Qualitative research relies on non-numerical data like words, voices, photos, videos, or actions, analyzed through interviews and observations.
• 🔄 There is no single 'best' research approach; all approaches can overlap and be used as tools to achieve research goals effectively.

Q & A

What are the two main categories of research approaches discussed in the lecture?

The lecture discusses two main categories of research approaches: basic and applied research, as well as idiographic and nomothetic research.

What is the primary goal of basic research?

The primary goal of basic research is to generate advanced knowledge that may not have immediate practical applications but can be used to create intervention programs for practical problems.

Can you provide an example of basic research from the lecture?

An example of basic research given in the lecture is the study that tested the general strain theory in the Philippines using an empirical national sample.

What is the purpose of applied research?

Applied research aims to inform authorities on promising policies that could improve practice in the field of Criminal Justice, often having immediate practical applications.

How does applied research differ from basic research?

Applied research differs from basic research in that it is more time-consuming and resource-consuming, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs or policies.

What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic research?

Idiographic research studies one or a few cases in-depth, while nomothetic research examines many cases but only a few factors, allowing for generalizations.

Can you give an example of idiographic research mentioned in the lecture?

An example of idiographic research mentioned is a study that interviewed 10 to 12 victims of rape or sexual assault to gather in-depth data about their experiences.

What is inductive research and how does it differ from deductive research?

Inductive research involves creating a theory or hypothesis from patterns observed in data, while deductive research tests existing theories with specific data.

What is the role of quantitative and qualitative approaches in criminological research?

Quantitative approaches use numerical data and statistics, while qualitative approaches use words, voices, photos, videos, or actions of participants. Both are used to analyze and understand criminological phenomena.

Why might a researcher choose a qualitative approach over a quantitative one?

A researcher might choose a qualitative approach when dealing with sensitive topics or populations that are difficult to survey, as it allows for in-depth exploration of a smaller sample size.

How can the different research approaches overlap?

The different research approaches can overlap in that quantitative research can be both basic and applied, and qualitative research can also serve various purposes depending on the research goals and context.

What is the final takeaway message regarding research approaches from the lecture?

The final takeaway message is that there is no single 'best' approach to research; it depends on the situation, resources, and goals of the study. Researchers should use these approaches as tools to achieve their research objectives.