Research Methods

Compare and contrast two research methods and identify types of situations in which one would be more appropriate than the other.

Criminal justice professionals will utilize a variety of different research methods. Some of these methods are listed below.

Experimental research is a type of study that is conducted within the criminal justice system to evaluate a new policy or procedure that has been implemented. This type of research method measures the efficacy of the decision that was made.
Surveys and questionnaires may be a bit more versatile. Criminal justice professionals use this type of research method to gather data from the external environment (i.e., the surrounding community).
Crime mapping is a research method used to analyze and interpret crime data. This research method correlates aspects of crimes such as location, patterns, and the specific types of crimes being committed.
Systematic literature review collects and analyzes multiple existing research studies or papers.

Utilizing these research methods create a greater opportunity for making an effective decision.