Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods

by Lesley Noaks, Emma Wincup

Overview

'Noaks and Wincup's book is useful primarily to criminology students for its clarity, use of illustrative case studies, exercises and end-of-chapter suggested further reading'

- The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice

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:

- An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches

- A variety of 'real-life' examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader

- A set of practical exercises and further reading sections in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focussed throughout

- A broad coverage - includes discussions of ethnography, interviewing, documentary evidence and data-analysis

- 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761974062
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/01/2004
Series:	Introducing Qualitative Methods Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Dr Noaks’ work is interdisciplinary which is reflected in her appointment as a lecturer in Criminology and Social Work. Throughout her academic career Policing has been a major strand of her research interest. This culminated in Ph D research undertaken in the period 1996-2000. The focus of this doctoral research was the movement in England and Wales towards privatisation of security and the impact of such developments on citizen’s perception of risk. The research explores the extent to which commodification of security represents a fundamental shift in residents’ experience of social control. This work has been successfully disseminated through international publications (see projects) and conferences. It is regarded as an important piece of work that addresses a key ‘knowledge gap’ in citizen’s experience of plural policing.

I joined the School of Law in 2005 having previously held academic posts at the University of Kent, Cardiff University, University of Wales, Bangor and the University of Cambridge. I also spent a period of time in the late 1990s on secondment to the National Assembly for Wales to refocus their drug policy.

I am currently one of two Deputy Directors of the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies and Programme Manager for the undergraduate degree, BA Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Table of Contents

The Development of Qualitative Approaches to Criminological Research
Doing Research on Crime and Justice
A Political Endeavour?
Ethical Dimensions of Qualitative Research in Criminology
Negotiating and Sustaining Access
Interviews
Ethnographic Approaches to Researching Crime and Deviance
Using Documentary Evidence in Qualitative Research
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Researching Substance Use Among Young Homeless People
Researching Private Policing
Looking Forward
The Future of Qualitative Research in Criminology