Assignment:
How to Use Research Data
Within the field of criminal justice, lie a host of intriguing issues and problems. Scholars devoted to research in the area of criminal justice utilize both qualitative and quantitative data in their quest to obtain answers to the many issues inherent in the study of crime and human behavior. It is imperative for ethical, robust, and viable research that data utilized by researchers be applied appropriately and analyzed accurately. In a journal entry at least 400 words in length, respond to the questions posed below.
How would you describe the ways in which research data can be applied to a particular problem in criminal justice?
How important is the evaluation and accurate interpretation of data utilized in research analyses?
Required Resources
Text
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.).
Chapter: The Selection of a Research Approach
Article
Jacques, S. (2014). The quantitative-qualitative divide in criminology: A theory of ideas' importance, attractiveness, and publication. Theoretical Criminology, 18(3), 317-334.
The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the SAGE Journals Online database in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library. This article will provide students with additional background information that will assist them in the development of their discussion forum posts.
Recommended Resource
Multimedia
Milgram, A. (2013, October). Anne Milgram: Why smart statistics are the key to fighting crime.
This video by New Jersey's former attorney general discusses her efforts to bring data analytics and statistical analysis to the criminal justice system in the United States. It may assist you in your How to Use Research Data journal entry.