Applied Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology

＂The primary objective of this book is to develop readers into educated consumers of research. It provides a practical, applied, and user-friendly approach to research methods by consistently applying the concepts learned to real-life examples of research. Each chapter builds upon the prior chapters so readers can incrementally learn the dynamics of the research process. Readers will understand how research is one of several sources of knowledge when they are faced with the question ＂How do we know what we know?＂ in chapter 1. Part of the challenge with research methods is that it is difficult to understand the numerous new terms used. Chapter 3 (＂A Language All Its Own＂) is dedicated to the language of research methods. Students will learn core research topics, including sampling methods, survey research, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, researchers in the field, and unobtrusive methods. A practical and applied approach to statistics allows readers to engage with the material while they will be able to critique, evaluate, and comment on research findings＂--

ERIC J. FRITSCH is a professor of criminal justice at the University of North Texas and coauthor of Juvenile Justice. CHAD R. TRULSON is a professor of criminal justice at the University of North Texas and coauthor of First Available Cell: Desegregation of the Texas Prison System. ASHLEY G. BLACKBURN is an associate dean and professor of criminal justice at the University of Houston-Downtown and coauthor of Teaching Introduction to Corrections.