Criminological research : understanding qualitative methods
01 Jan 2017-
TL;DR: Criminological Research as mentioned in this paper is a comprehensive guide to both the theory and practice of qualitative criminological research, providing constructive advice for students analysing and writing their research projects.
Abstract: Criminological Research offers a comprehensive guide to both the theory and practice of qualitative criminological research. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how a variety of methods and approaches work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Practically focused throughout, the book also offers constructive advice for students analysing and writing their research projects. Key features of the book include: â?¢ An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches â?¢ A variety of `real-life' examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader â?¢ A set of practical exercises and further reading sections in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focussed throughout â?¢ A broad coverage - includes discussions of ethnography, interviewing, documentary evidence and data-analysis â?¢ A detailed and practical discussion of the politics of research, such as issues of access, ethics and confidentiality The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which makes it accessible to students. Written by experts in the field, it will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers, helping them to undertake effective research in both criminology and courses in qualitative research in related disciplines.
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TL;DR: The authors found that despite the philosophical emphasis on community policing and its themes of decentralization and flexibility, the most salient lessons learned in police training were those that reinforced the paramilitary structure and culture.
Abstract: Even as community policing has emerged as the dominant paradigm, research indicates that police agencies continue to be highly militaristic and bureaucratic in structure and culture. This article reports findings from an observational study of recruit training at a police academy that had introduced a new curriculum emphasizing community policing and problem solving. The article explores the socialization that takes place there to see how the tension between traditional and community policing is resolved. The authors found that despite the philosophical emphasis on community policing and its themes of decentralization and flexibility, the most salient lessons learned in police training were those that reinforced the paramilitary structure and culture.
182 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviewed the evidence regarding young women's involvement in violent crime and, drawing on recent research carried out in HMPYOI Cornton Vale in Scotland, provided an overview of the ch...
Abstract: This article reviews the evidence regarding young women’s involvement in violent crime and, drawing on recent research carried out in HMPYOI Cornton Vale in Scotland, provides an overview of the ch...
149 citations
TL;DR: The role ECT plays in adolescent romantic relationships and psychologically abusive and controlling ADVA behaviors and its perceived impact is explored and recommendations are made for future research.
Abstract: Electronic communication technology (ECT), such as mobile phones and online communication tools, is widely used by adolescents; however, the availability of such tools may have both positive and negative impacts within the context of romantic relationships. While an established literature has documented the nature, prevalence, and impact of traditional forms of adolescent dating violence and abuse (ADVA), limited empirical investigation has focused on the role of ECT in ADVA or what shall be termed technology-assisted adolescent dating violence and abuse (TAADVA) and how adolescents perceive the impact of TAADVA relative to ADVA. In this article, the authors explore the role ECT plays in adolescent romantic relationships and psychologically abusive and controlling ADVA behaviors and its perceived impact. An opportunity sample of 52 adolescents (22 males and 30 females) between the ages of 12 and 18 years participated in the study. One all-female and seven mixed-gendered semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to identify three superordinate themes, including (a) perceived healthy versus unhealthy communication, (b) perceived monitoring and controlling communication, and (c) perceived impact of technology-assisted abuse compared with that in person. While ECTs had a positive impact on the development and maintenance of adolescent romantic relationships, such tools also provided a new avenue for unhealthy, harassment, monitoring, and controlling behaviors within these relationships. ECT was also perceived to provide unique impacts in terms of making TAADVA seem both less harmful and more harmful than ADVA experienced in person. Adolescents' perceptions and experiences of ECT in romantic relationships and TAADVA may also vary be gender. Implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research.
113 citations
Cites methods from "Criminological research : understan..."
...Focus groups were chosen as the method of data collection as they provide opportunity for in-depth responses to questions by encouraging participants to develop their thoughts through group discussion (Crow & Semmens, 2008; Noaks & Wincup, 2004)....
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TL;DR: In this article, an organizational interview tool called "identity moments" is introduced to facilitate the retrospective and interpretative practice of building meaning through narrative, and the purpose of the author's work is to provide critical insights into conducting prison research so that future researchers might have a head start.
Abstract: Based on research the author conducted in 2006 at a men's medium-security correctional facility and on the author's experiences during that research, this article provides some insight into the issues associated with interviewing inmates. Included are discussions of gaining access to prison, negotiating Institutional Review Boards, the construction of study concepts and instruments, inmate identity, and institutional influence. Emphasizing narrative and interactionist approaches, the author's goal is to help researchers understand their role in the interview process and the author introduces an organizational interview tool called “identity moments,” wherein researchers can facilitate the retrospective and interpretative practice of building meaning through narrative. The purpose of the author's work is to provide some critical insights into conducting prison research so that future researchers might have a head start.
106 citations
TL;DR: Perceptions of food insecurity by FN adults living in a remote, on-reserve community in northern Ontario known to have a high prevalence of moderate to severe food insecurity are explored, pointing to the continued importance of traditional food acquisition and food sharing, as well as community solutions for food systems change.
Abstract: Food insecurity is a serious public health issue for Aboriginal people (First Nations [FN], Metis, and Inuit) living in Canada. Food security challenges faced by FN people are unique, especially for those living in remote and isolated communities. Conceptualizations of food insecurity by FN people are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of food insecurity by FN adults living in a remote, on-reserve community in northern Ontario known to have a high prevalence of moderate to severe food insecurity. A trained community research assistant conducted semi-directed interviews, and one adult from each household in the community was invited to participate. Questions addressed traditional food, coping strategies, and suggestions to improve community food security and were informed by the literature and a community advisory committee. Thematic data analyses were carried out and followed an inductive, data-driven approach. Fifty-one individuals participated, representing 67% of eligible households. The thematic analysis revealed that food sharing, especially with family, was regarded as one of the most significant ways to adapt to food shortages. The majority of participants reported consuming traditional food (wild meats) and suggested that hunting, preserving and storing traditional food has remained very important. However, numerous barriers to traditional food acquisition were mentioned. Other coping strategies included dietary change, rationing and changing food purchasing patterns. In order to improve access to healthy foods, improving income and food affordability, building community capacity and engagement, and community-level initiatives were suggested. Findings point to the continued importance of traditional food acquisition and food sharing, as well as community solutions for food systems change. These data highlight that traditional and store-bought food are both part of the strategies and solutions participants suggested for coping with food insecurity. Public health policies to improve food security for FN populations are urgently needed.
101 citations