...Dell Roberson Research Process and Terminology Research Methods in Criminal Justice July 24, 2012 Abstract When people are learning about the criminal justice, they learn that research method and terminology plays a major role in the academic and law enforcement field. These research methods and terminologies used daily with the police officers or detectives for investigation cases. Effective research methods and terminologies also used by attorneys or paralegals in criminal justice field to open and close cases in the court. Research methods are the tools that identify the issues in criminal justice from its point of view and base on the nonscientific problem or issue. “Knowledge is why people create reality and describe by Comte. This paper tells different type of research methods that are applied in the criminal justice field and how the terminology involved with these types of research methods. Scientific Research in Criminal Justice In many criminal justice fields, the law enforcements start to gather the documents and data information. They begin to observe the information or facts about the crime. Many of them use a systematic method to check the information such as asking questions about who, what, where, when, why, and how of the crime. They begin to gathering the piece together, by the facts and determining if there is enough evidence for the case. The hypothesis takes a part...
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...the criminal justice system today. Effective research methods have the ability to open and close cases. Those interested in the criminal justice field have a wide range of research methods at their disposal. The terminology involved is also a very important aspect when used in the study of criminology and criminal justice. This paper will explore some of the various research methods that are applied to the criminal justice system and explain how the knowledge of the terminology involved can be a valuable tool within these methods of research. Empirical Research in Criminal Justice Although research in criminal justice varies considerably, there are five general steps that are followed in order to conduct research. The first step is called problem formulation. This is the selection and specification of the area that will be investigated. The next step is research design which is the type of experimental or non-experimental approach, with the use of control groups and studying group(s) at one time or over a period of time. The third step is data collection methods which give a choice of various methods to be used such as observation, questionnaires, or interviews. The fourth step is analysis and presentation of findings which is to summarize report and when necessary statistically analyze and present findings. The fifth step is conclusions, interpretations, and limitations which is what the researcher believes the study explains. Quantitative Research in criminal Justice ...
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...never even think of what they are doing as research. People who are looking to buy a home, may investigate several real estate agencies before choosing one, then when they see properties they ask various questions to decide which house is right for them. When a group decides to have a party as a restaurant, they most likely have a few choices which they narrow down in various ways. These processes are all types of research. The focus of this paper however is the process and terminology of research in the criminal justice field. While still a relatively young science criminal justice research has come a long way, much of which has been absorbed into common language and so is no longer considered to be research related, but simple common sense. Criminal justice research often faces criticism from those who think that it is obscure jargon or academic intimidation, an elaborate explanation of what some see as common sense (Hagan, 2010). There are various methods used in criminal justice research, most employ collecting, analyzing and reporting data which can entail many complex details, the same as any other research discipline. The research process varies in scope, style and procedure, but it all starts with a few general steps; first is problem formation, review, select and specify the area to be investigated. When deciding upon the problem, look for gaps in theory, conflicting findings in current research and the feasibility of conducting the research as well as any timelines that...
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...Pathology and Miscarriages of Justice: a Journal Article Analysis Merlyn Arostegui Prof. Sigal CRJU 443 | Forensic Pathology and Miscarriages of Justice: a Journal Article Analysis The article chosen for analysis is titled “Forensic Pathology and the Miscarriage of Justice” written by Michael S. Pollanen of the Centre of Forensic Science and Medicine, University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. The article was published in Forensic, Science, Medicine, and Pathology in 2012. The main purpose of the article was to present the fact that in order for the criminal justice system to operate in a safe and fair manner, any evidence presented in the duration of a prosecution must be accurate and objective—especially medical evidence. If either the accuracy or objectivity of evidence presented is compromised, there lies the possibility of unsafe prosecution which can lead to wrongful convictions or other forms of miscarriages of justice. Main Purpose There has been an increased awareness in the number of cases that have experienced a miscarriage of justice due to compromised medical evidence being presented during trial. Although there are legal tools available to regulate the types of evidence admissible in court as well as the “experts” allowed to present said evidence [such as Daubert hearings], these tools are only partially effective because forensic pathology is a discipline that grows and develops over time. The accepted view in pathology [or any field of science, for that matter]...
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...Vocabulary words Chapter 1 Replication 6: is the repetition of experiments or studies utilizing the same methodology. Verification 6: is confirmation of the accuracy of findings or attainment of greater certitude in conclusions through additional observations. Methodological narcissism 7: in which substance is overlooked in the name of method. Preferred rigor in research design is seldom realized in criminal justice field studies. This does not justify throwing out “the baby with the bath water.” Theory 7: in criminal justice represents an attempt to develop plausible explanations of reality, which in this case are crime and the criminal justice system. Paradigm 8: is “some implicit body of intertwined theoretical and methodological belief that permits selection, evaluation, and criticism” Methodology 9: (methods), on the other hand, involves the collection of accurate facts and/or data regarding the nature of crime and criminal justice policy. In short, while theory addresses the issue “why,” methodology concerns itself with “what is.” “Broken Windows” 9 Pure research 10: is concerned with the acquisition of new knowledge for the sake of science or the development of the field. Applied research 10: is practical research concerned with solving immediate policy problems. Crime analysis 13: allows the analyst to determine who’s doing what to whom by its focus on crimes against persons and property (homicide, rape, robbery, burglary, theft, etc.). Quantitative research...
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...The Criminal Justice system is comprised of many different areas, each with it’s own responsibility, function, and purpose. For example, most criminal justice systems contain five components including law enforcement, courts, prosecution, defense attorneys, and corrections. How efficient these sections are ran is dependent on the individuals put in place to do so. So what does it take for one to be in such a position to assist with the duties of an area? A key and major part of this contributes to training in their perspective area. The type and length of training will vary dependent on the needs of the position. For example, the training of a judge would be a lot longer and more extensive than someone who issues parking citations because of the fact that a judge has the power to not only take someone’s freedom, but potentially sentence a person to death. To figure out the type of training necessary for any and every position within the criminal justice career field requires extensive research. One must figure out what duties are involved in each position and what would qualify a person to be in that position to fulfill those duties. In order for research in criminal justice to be done properly, one must know the research process and the language or terminology involved. Just as in any career, for a person to be successful involves knowledge of that particular career and familiarization of the terminology within that career. The same goes with the criminal justice field, for...
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...RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIME AND JUSTICE CHAPTER 1 – THE RESEARCH PRACTICE Chapter Review Questions Respond to each of the following questions using the information from this chapter. 1. During a recent meeting of the command staff at a mid-sized police department, the chief asks the patrol captain for his recommendation for new flashlights. The captain responds, “I did a little research and I recommend that we purchase the DryLight, Model X flashlight”. The patrol captain’s research consisted of “asking a few of the officers” what they thought would be a good flashlight. Did the patrol captain actually conduct research? Why or why not? ANSWER: Technically, the patrol captain did some research. He conducted interviews which is a form of data collection. One could argue, however, that the patrol captain’s research was limited (pp. 7-8). 2. Respond to the following statement in 3-5 sentences: Conducting research in the social sciences and in criminal justice in particular is easier than in other sciences because the things we measure are so vague that nobody really cares if we get it right or not. ANSWER: Generally speaking, social science research is more challenging than some of the ‘hard sciences’ because the things social scientists study are difficult to measure objectively. As a result social scientists spend a great deal of time justifying how they measure concepts to their peers (pp. 4-5). 3. Read the following scenarios and identify which of the following...
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...Introduction To Criminology Prof. Dr. Ayman Elzeiny A-why criminology? There is very important and critical questions , impose it self at our minds. why do people get paid to study crime and criminal behavior , and why do people engage in this area of study ? There are a variety of answers of these questions, built around many kinds of concerns , like the anxiety, anger , and fear that are common responses to crime of the future crimes . former victims of crimes may contribute of showing the importance of studying criminology by, transferring them experience and feeling of anxiety, anger, and fear which Generated from crimes to other persons . Then the need to study criminology become at the forefront of priorities , to predict and control crime; the hope of preventing crime through individual and social reform the wish to understand and explain crime and societal reactions to it; and the simple desire to learn more about crime and what it can tell us about our society . Criminologists disagree, sometimes violently, about which of these kinds of concerns are most legitimate and important . So Criminology was the composite result of the thinking and endeavors of many people, and them desire to the understanding the individual behavior and deviation and the structuring of the social order . The study of crime has engaged the interest of many academic disciplines. Building on centuries of philosophical debate, systematic attempts to explain crime emerged...
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...display a greater understanding of human behaviour in regards to the community and societal issues. Lastly, this essay will argue that police officers with tertiary qualifications have overall better job performance and attitudes. Therefore this essay will show that police officers should be required to have tertiary qualifications as it allows for a better style of policing. Ensuring police officers have tertiary qualifications will reduce the risk of police officers abusing their authority, therefore societal fear should subside. Research conducted by Paoline III and Terrill (2007) using two data sets (the systematic social observation of police officers and interviews with those officers) shows that having tertiary qualifications will reduce the possibility of police officers using force as a means for compliance. The systematic social observation approach provided data comparing officers with high school education with officers with some form of college/university education and those with a bachelor degree. The results showed that those with a bachelor degree were less likely to use verbal force and significantly less physical force. These findings illustrate the importance of police officers obtaining tertiary qualifications. Similarly, Rydberg and Terrill (2010) also conducted observational data and once again the data suggested that having higher education significantly reduces the likelihood of force taking place. For example, 68%...
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...adjudicated into residential therapeutic facilities, such as KidsPeace. At KidsPeace they accept adjudicated clients but there is not a specific program in place to effectively treat these individuals. It is my goal along with the program director of the organization for myself to develop and pioneer a conduct disorder program and establish it within the KidsPeace organization. The reasoning behind choosing this field is my work experience and some of the population I have been exposed to. Through my observation violence is a learned behavior, and unfortunately young victims of violence generally become perpetrators of crime and develop mental health disorders. Many times if juvenile offenders are not adjudicated to the correct residential therapeutic facility; that specializes in conduct disorder programming. When this happens these individuals are more likely to cycle through the judicial system and become career criminal, which leads to over populated correctional facilities. It is my goal to bring social awareness to this through my research and contribution to the field. I will able to do this through my acceptance into the program at Walden and through the skills and knowledge I will attain here. Academic Experience My experience as an undergraduate is one that I hold with high regard. I attended an online university that provided me with...
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...Title registration for a review proposal: Broken Windows Policing to Reduce Crime in Neighborhoods Submitted to the Coordinating Group of: _X Crime and Justice __ Education __ Social Welfare __ Other Plans to co-register: _X No __ Yes __ Cochrane __ Other __ Maybe TITLE OF THE REVIEW Broken Windows Policing to Reduce Crime in Neighborhoods BACKGROUND Briefly describe and define the problem Crime policy scholars, primarily James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, and practitioners, such as Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, have argued for years that when police pay attention to minor offenses—such as aggressive panhandling, prostitution, and graffiti—they can reduce fear, strengthen communities, and prevent serious crime (Bratton & Kelling, 2006; Wilson & Kelling, 1982). Spurred by claims of large declines in serious crime after the approach was adopted in New York City, dealing with physical and social disorder, or “fixing broken windows,” has become a central element of crime prevention strategies adopted by many American police departments (Kelling & Coles, 1996; Sousa & Kelling, 2006). In their seminal “broken windows” article, Wilson and Kelling (1982) argue that social incivilities (e.g., loitering, public drinking, and prostitution) and physical incivilities (e.g., vacant lots, trash, and abandoned buildings) cause residents and workers in a neighborhood to be fearful. Fear causes many stable families to move out of the neighborhood and the remaining residents...
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...Public/Police Relations: An Intractable Conflict? David A. Mercury damercury1921@gmail.com (416) 333-7523 Public/Police Relations: An Intractable Conflict? Purpose of this Paper The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the conflicts described, between the police and the Afrikan Canadian diaspora [sometimes referred to as the Communities] and the Original Peoples communities and other racial minorities, can be defined as being intractable. If so, the exploration of possible approaches to resolve these conflicts is beyond the scope of this paper. It is my hope and intention to conduct this exploration in later works. What is an Intractable Conflict? The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Peace, defines intractable conflicts through a discussion the common features. First, [emphasis added] intractable conflicts are protracted, persisting for a long time. Second, [emphasis added] they are waged in ways that the adversaries or interested observers regard as destructive. Third, [emphasis added] partisans and intermediaries attempt, but fail to end or transform them. Conflict intractability, however, is not a fixed dichotomous feature; conflicts vary in their degree of intractability. The degree to which the three defining features are manifested varies and changes, and they are best treated as dimensions of conflict. . . . Even duration is not a fixed characteristic of a conflict. The beginning of a conflict is often contested, with one side pointing back...
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...Chapter 1 Introduction To Criminology A-why criminology? There is very important and critical questions , impose it self at our minds. why do people get paid to study crime and criminal behavior , and why do people engage in this area of study ? There are a variety of answers of these questions, built around many kinds of concerns , like the anxiety, anger , and fear that are common responses to crime of the future crimes . former victims of crimes may contribute of showing the importance of studying criminology by, transferring them experience and feeling of anxiety, anger, and fear which Generated from crimes to other persons . Then the need to study criminology become at the forefront of priorities , to predict and control crime; the hope of preventing crime through individual and social reform the wish to understand and explain crime and societal reactions to it; and the simple desire to learn more about crime and what it can tell us about our society . Criminologists disagree, sometimes violently, about which of these kinds of concerns are most legitimate and important . So Criminology was the composite result of the thinking and endeavors of many people, and them desire to the understanding the individual behavior and deviation and the structuring of the social order . The study of crime has engaged the interest of many academic disciplines. Building on centuries of philosophical debate, systematic attempts to explain crime emerged from the developing biological...
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...need of various groups to see others as active participants in criminal cultures, as different” (2006, p. 840) in addition to the “highly skewed presentation of crime stories [by the media] on select forms of violent crime and crime victims” (p. 840). News is intended to inform the public of events that affect citizens or are of human interest by providing facts. Before the technological era, news came in the print medium of newspapers, which was the only instrument for communities to communicate generally. Now there are mass instruments in use that include radio, television, magazines, internet, digital media, outdoor media, recordings and reproductions, cinema, cellular phones, video games, broadcasts, etc. Crime in the news can be perceived as an ornate due to the manner in which the many stories are presented as if to blur the line between providing information versus a Realty-TV form of entertainment. This report is analyzes two crime stories that focus on different crimes, the articles purpose, the portrayal of the criminal justice system, the authors reactions, and theoretical explanations of behavioral causation. Purpose. There are two crime news articles in review, the first story reports criminal “charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and distribution of heroin resulting in death” (Parker, 2016, p. 1). In the second story, the criminal “had pleaded guilty to two felony counts of criminal mischief for attempting with a college roommate to break into...
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...the first two pure crime parts you need to know: Functionalist theories of crime and deviance Durkheim – Social control, social regulation including suicide Merton-Strain theory, blocked aspirations Cohen – Status frustration Cloward and Ohlin – Deviant subcultures New Right/Right Realism James Wilson – Strict law enforcement needed Wilson and Kelling – Broken windows, zero tolerance Murray – Cultural deprivation, single parents and ineffective, the underclass Erdos – Families without fathers Subcultural theories Cohen – Delinquent subcultures Cloward and Ohlin – Delinquency and opportunity, criminal, conflict and retreatist subcultures Willis – pupil subcultures (learning to labour) Patrick – Gang culture (Glasgow gangs) Humphreys – Gay subcultures and covert participant observation Miller – Focal concerns, lower working class male subculture Matza – Delnquency and drift, techniques of neutralisation, subterranean values Marxist theories of crime and deviance Gordon – Criminogenic...
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