Research and Terminology Paper
Damon Walton
CJA/334
June 15, 2015
Sharon Taylor

Research and Terminology Paper
The cornerstone to any discipline or field of study is the ability to conduct research in a competent manner. The criminal justice practioners needs a sound foundation in the research process and terminology to be effective. According to the Merriam-Webster, research is the studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws ("Definition of Research", 2015). The research process is a strategy to solve a problem or to answer a basic question. The methodology being used must be accurate and verifiable so the results can be trusted.
The terminology culled from this week reading was theory, objectivity, methodology, pure research, applied research and confidentiality. According to Hagan (2010), theory is the attempt to classify and organize events, and see a trend where events may occur, and to understand the underlying causality of these events. In the field of criminal justice a theory is a good starting block to understand the why and what of something especially when it involves crime. Theories being in used in this field can be fine tuned or even replaced as more information becomes available to the researcher. An example of this is the prevailing theory at one time is that people believed the earth was flat until later proved the Earth is round.
Objectivity is required on part of the researcher to conduct accurate research in any field of study. The aim of the researcher is remain impartial throughout the whole research process not to influence the outcome. The researcher must be dispassionate and impartial maintain an “emotional distance”