The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Seventh Edition continues to demonstrate the vital role research plays in criminal justice by integrating in-depth, real-world case studies with a comprehensive discussion of research methods. By pairing research techniques with practical examples from the field, Ronet D. Bachman and Russell K. Schutt equip students to critically evaluate and confidently conduct research. Covering research findings from key areas in criminal justice, such as police use of force, cybercrime, and human trafficking, this text helps students understand the importance of research, not just the process.

The Seventh Edition of this best-selling text retains the strengths of previous editions while breaking ground with emergent research methods, enhanced tools for learning in the text and online, and contemporary, fascinating research findings. Students engage with the wide realm of research methods available to them, delve deeper into topics relevant to their field of study, and benefit from the wide variety of new exercises to help them practice as they learn.

Features and Benefits:

• Updated “Research in the News” boxes feature the latest media stories which have made an impact both on researchers and practitioners in criminal justice and society as a whole.
• "Careers and Research” profiles highlight the relevance of research in today’s job market by demonstrating the use of research methods within a variety of professions.
• Real-world criminal justice cases and issues illustrate the methods described, capturing student interest and helping them better understand contemporary research and its application in their field of study
• Expansive, up-to-date exercise sets for SPSS use in data analysis, ethics, and Internet research help students master the concepts and techniques presented

New to this Edition
- A new chapter on Social Network Analysis, Crime Mapping, and Big Data (Chapter 11) explores methods for intelligence-led policing. 
- Emerging topics in research have been added or expanded, such as the role of values in research, the Institutional Review Board, errors in survey research, and qualitative data analysis. 
- Case studies have been updated throughout to focus on challenges currently facing the criminal justice system, such as school shootings, police decision making, the evolution of cybercrime, and networks of terrorist cells.
- New Research in the News boxes explore how research has impacted some of the biggest headlines such as the link between mass killings and domestic violence, the impact of violent video games, data on gun violence, and police stops of Black drivers.
- New sections of ‘research in a diverse society.’ Several chapters now contain new sections on the importance of making sure our samples, measurements, and methods are inclusive and sensitive to the diverse nature of our society.