Methods of research that warrant the use of qualitative research methods in Criminal Justice - Essay Example

? Methods of research that warrant the use of qualitative research methods in Criminal Justice/Security Management research Tutor: Date: Methods of research that warrant the use of qualitative research methods in Criminal Justice/Security Management research Introduction Continuous knowledge development is critical for criminal justice/security management. This is achieved through the application of different types of research and research methods to gather information which can be used to provide further insights into this field of study. There are two dominant research methods applied in the study of criminal justice/security management which are quantitative and qualitative methods (Taylor, 1994). Qualitative research is deemed as the more superior way with which to conduct important and meaningful research in the field of criminal justice/security management. Qualitative research methods provide several advantages which enhance the intensity of understanding with regard to the operations of justice system; criminals and crime as well as allowing for data processing that supersedes statistically oriented conclusions arrived at through the use of quantitative research methods (Taylor, 1994). This mainly because of the difference in information due to the means of data collection applied, data analysis which generally provides a wealth of information on subjects being studied. Knowledge gained therein provides more information, is richer and allows for more concrete understanding. In this paper, I intend to discuss and analyze the types of research that warrant the use of qualitative methods in criminal justice/security management research. Types of research that warrant the use of qualitative research methods Qualitative research methods are by reason of the work done more often than not considered as unproblematic due to the fact that techniques used appear similar to things normally done in daily living. However, qualitative research methods are indeed time consuming and more so require more emphasis on researchers to further clarify and define what appertains to attributes within the context of the research (Copes, Brown & Tewksbury, 2011). Qualitative research also requires that researchers have to employ a myriad of intellectual techniques so as to effectively and efficiently facilitate for the organization, management, analysis and interpretation of data collected. Researchers in criminal justice/ security management use qualitative research which accords them the challenge to look for meaningful ways with which the acquired data can be produce workable trends and patterns required for meaningful research (Copes, Brown & Tewksbury, 2011). It is important to note that there are of course generally accepted guidelines in qualitative research which offer guidance as to how researchers can apply qualitative data information, actual tasks, and undertakings of data and information gathering, analysis as well as interpretation while ensuring an acceptable degree of innovativeness and creativity. Data collected and applied in qualitative research is sourced from a variety of data collection methods. These types include individual interviews, observing people, social interactions and place, analysis of various forms of media, content guided conversations with regard to focus groups and personal engagements with respects to research sample settings in an effort to better understand how, where, when and what social interactions and social structures affect criminal justice/security management research studies (Copes, Brown & Tewksbury, 2011). Each and every one of these types of data collection differ, more so with the source and origin of data as well as in the means with which researchers carry out real time tasks towards the collection of raw data while also comparing these with similar and regularly realized events things and or situations. Interviews Interviews are in a nutshell structured conversations carried out by researchers with individual members of society in an effort to acquire a better understanding about a person, social setting or activities through interactions through questions posed to individuals with the knowledge of the topic being studied (Tewksbury, 2009). Interviews are very important in criminal justice/security management research as it is a sure means with which to seek crucial information from members of the public. A qualitative researcher will seek to get information through asking questions of individuals with whom they have a vested interest and in the course of the interview understand how the interviewee perceives, experiences or understands a particular topic (Tewksbury, 2009). Interviews warrant the use of qualitative research methods in as data collected not only provides answers to an unlimited choice of possibilities but also does so with some form of accompanying contest invaluable to criminal justice/ security management research. Observations This is a type of research whose approach to data collection involves actual observations and subsequent analysis of interactions of people as well as their individual actions. As much as it is seemingly straightforward, it is a rather complex undertaking in a qualitative researcher’s point of view. The challenge actually lies in the gathering and collecting of logical and systematic information on the things, places and people under observation (Tewksbury, 2009). Qualitative researchers relying on observational data apply two generally accepted means which are either in a manner whereby those being studied through observation are aware and acknowledge that the researcher or researchers are indeed observing them (Tewksbury, 2009). The second means with which researchers carry out observation is through spying in which case subjects being observed are unaware of researchers’ method of data collection. The approach used whether open or hidden is dependent on the conditions prevailing when the observations are being made more importantly, the criminal justice/security management research question being addressed such that it may be possible that the people who would have otherwise been interviewed do not have insights into the subject matter of the research (Tewksbury, 2009). Collection of data through the method of observation poses challenges in that there is the susceptibility of viewing simultaneously vital information. This arises as a result of being able to see the intended observations as well as the inherent ability to see beyond what can be referred to as obvious (Tewksbury, 2009). This means that through observational techniques of research it is possible for researchers to see what a mere observer would tend to overlook. Researchers as observers have to take notes which are then organized, assessed, analyzed and interpreted to address both the obvious and hidden attributes of the research subject under observation (Tewksbury, 2009). This implies that researchers have to identify means to watch, contemplate, take notes as well as precisely capture actions, interactions and structures in detail as well as managing their presence where detection could pose a challenge to the authenticity of the data collected. This also implies that the researchers have to have high degrees of intellect and energy to employ observational techniques in qualitative research for criminal justice/ security management research (Tewksbury, 2009). Conclusion Collecting data for qualitative research requires researchers in the field of criminal justice/management research to have a high degree of creativity, interpersonal skills as well as having the ability to cope with emotional or psychological challenges that could undermine the authenticity of the material collected from a particular research type. It is therefore critical that researchers collecting data for qualitative research be apt at establish a unique working rapport with other persons such the researcher is not in any manner considered a threat and more so have the attitude that encourages the person under study to feel comfortable in the researcher’s company. References Tewksbury, R. (2009). Qualitative versus Quantitative Methods: Understanding Why Qualitative Methods are Superior for Criminology and Criminal Justice. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology, Vol 1 (1), Retrieved on April 10, 2013 from http://www.jtpcrim.org/January_Articles/Qualitative_Vs_Quantitave_Richard_Tewksbury.pdf. Taylor, R. B. (1994). Research methods in criminal justice. New York: McGraw-Hill. Copes, H., Brown, A., & Tewksbury, R. (2011). A content analysis of ethnographic research published in top criminology and criminal justice journals from 2000 to 2009. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 22(3), 341-359. (Taylor, 1994) (Copes, Brown & Tewksbury, 2011) Read More