Researching Criminology

..".what makes the book stand out is the inclusion of real research into various criminal justice institutions that have actually been undertaken by the authors. In doing so, what is produced is a book that stimulates interest and injects research passion, as well as offering research 'know how' into what can often be a difficult and sometimes dry area of research." - Tina Patel, Liverpool John Moores University. "This book provides an essential tool for undergraduate students embarking upon their own research projects in Criminology. It provides clear and informative guidance on a range of research methods and designs to assist students in their own criminological endeavours." - Jacki Tapley, University of Portsmouth. How do criminologists go about studying crime and its consequences? How are programmes for offenders and communities evaluated? How can you collect and analyse criminological material?Research on crime and criminality is often referred to by the media, policy makers and practitioners, but where does this research come from and how reliable is it? Designed especially for students on criminology and criminal justice courses, and professionals working in the field, "Researching Criminology" emphasises the importance of research as an integrated process. It looks at the ways in which a mixture of investigative methods can be used to analyze a criminological question.Written by two experienced researchers and lecturers "Researching Criminology" is a comprehensive introduction to the aims, principles and methods of doing criminological research. The book covers all the key topics that you will encounter when researching crime. Individual chapters include material on: the research process; principles of researching criminology; how to design criminological research; evaluation research; researching ethically; and a glossary of essential key concepts. Structured in three parts, addressing the principles of criminological research, how to collect and analyse material and providing detailed examples of real world research, "Researching Criminology" will be of benefit to all students of criminology and criminal justice, for practitioners interested in criminological research, and for those undertaking criminological research for the first time.

Iain Crow is Reader in Research Methods at the University of Sheffield. He has previously worked at the Addiction Research Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry and was Head of Research at NACRO, the national organisation for offender rehabilitation and crime prevention, until 1989. His teaching covers research methods and statistics, research ethics, and the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. He has done research on drug use, race and criminal justice, offenders and unemployment, the Youth Court, community safety. He has also been involved with community based programmes for offenders, and done research on such programmes. His other books include The Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders, Criminal Justice 2000: Strategies for a New Century, and Unemployment, Crime and Offenders.

Natasha Semmens has been a lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sheffield since 2001. Her teaching covers research methods, white collar crime and foundations in law and legal systems. Her research interests include the fear of crime, crime survey methodology, white collar crime and cybercrime. She has also been involved in projects with the Home Office, NACRO and the UK Information Commissioner.