3.1 Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
In this chapter, we’ll explore the top five research methods used by criminologists today. These methods, such as surveys and longitudinal studies, act like detective tools, helping us understand why people commit crimes and how we can prevent them. We’ll also dive into the gold standard of research—the randomized control trial method, akin to a scientific experiment. It’s like conducting crime experiments to figure out what works in stopping or preventing criminal behavior. We’ll also examine actual crime data. We’ll discover when most crimes happen, the types of weapons involved, and whether we’re more likely to be harmed by a stranger or someone we know. These questions aren’t just interesting—they help shape the rules and policies that keep our communities safe. Finally, in order to use crime data we must learn how to determine if the data is reliable.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of the different data sources used to gather precise and accurate measures of crime.
- Recognize the difference between official or reported statistics, self-report statistics, and victimization statistics.
- Evaluate the reliability of statistics and data heard about the criminal justice system.
Key Terms
Below are some of the most important key terms and phrases used in this chapter. You should review and become familiar with these terms before reading this chapter:
- Dark figure
- Official statistics
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Respondents
- Self-report statistics
- Survey research
- Victim
- Victimization studies
Critical Thinking Questions
Take a few minutes and reflect on these questions before you read the chapter to assess what you already know. Then, after reading the chapter, return to these questions to gauge how much you’ve learned:
- What are the three different types of data sources we often rely on in CJ?
- What are the strengths and limitations of each data source?
- Identify when each type of data source would be appropriate for different crimes and why.
Licenses and Attributions for Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
Open Content, Original
“Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives” introductory paragraph by Roxie Supplee is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Open Content, Shared Previously
“Learning Objectives” and “Critical thinking Questions” are adapted from from “2: Defining and Measuring Crime and Criminal Justice” by Shanell Sanchez in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Modifications by Roxie Supplee, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, include editing the content.
Data that are reported by individuals.
The criminal justice system is a major social institution that is tasked with controlling crime in various ways. It includes police, courts, and the correction system.
