Criminology Research, Essay Example

In the United States there are the following types of criminal research activities:

 Surveys in criminal research

Surveys are an extremely useful tool in the measurement of crime. Particularly those where people are asked to recount their experiences as victims. It has been questioned as to whether such data is reliable, as people are prone to exaggeration and distorting the truth. The response to that is the information gathered so far has been useful at examining trends and correlations in crime statistics. The Census Bureau has been using surveys since the early 1960’s, primarily to examine victimization in the larger City’s The data has been passed to the Department of Justice in order to help with police reforms. The National Health and Drug Abuse Survey keeps a check on “narcotics and substance abuse” in the USA. (Michael G Maxfield, 2009)

Observation 

Observation or Empirical research; also referred to as participant observation is used to gain familiarity with a particular group of people. The research can use methods like interviewing, discussion, examination of personal documents and client observation of activities. There are two types of observation namely: Cover and Overt.  Covert is used where there is a need to gain access to social groups who would not otherwise agree to be studied. A good example being “covert participant observation is that undertaken by Erving Goffman in his study of mental hospitals, published as Stigma in 1968” (Pearson, 2010).  Overt research is open study where the researcher is given permission to carry out the research.

Experiments

Experiments in Criminal research has been an important contribution to the field of criminal justice. Some of the most important contribution in clinical research has been by the use of experimental tests. More recently these have been criticised as being unethical; consider that in domestic violence (Feder, Jolin and Feyerterm 200) (Joel H Garner, 2003). Despite objections the experiments received wide academic support and ultimately the disputed experiments were successfully implemented.

Works Cited

Joel H Garner, C. A. (2003). The Production of Criminological Experiments. New York: Sage.

Michael G Maxfield, E. B. (2009). Basics of Research Methods for Criminal Justice. New York: Wadsworth.

Pearson. (2010). Particpant Observation . Retrieved 8 19, 2010, from Pearson: http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_plummer_sociology_3/40/10342/2647687.cw/content/index.html