Research Methodology 101

            Research methodology is a process of discovery in relation to a phenomenon from a social science perspective. Whereas, such discovery can take one of three paths, which are qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed methods approach o uncovering information or data about a something, a phenomena, or theory. For example and from a criminal justice view, Hagan (2006) argued that a methodology “involves the collection of accurate facts and or data regarding the nature of crime and criminal justice policy” (p. 10) based on a theoretical assertion.  Bachman and Schutt (2001) posited that a theory is defined as “a logically interrelated set of propositions about empirical reality” (p. 39) that is clearly and deliberately observed.

In most instances, selected research approaches help to guide a research process that supports replication and rigorous peer review. Bachman et al. (2001) argued that “social science research methods can reduce the likelihood of overgeneralization by using systematic procedures for selecting individuals or groups to study that are representative of the individuals or groups which we wish to generalize” (p. 11) or to assert a theory or hypothesis. Bachman et al. (2001) pointed out that a hypothesis is “a tentative statement about empirical reality, involving a relationship between two or more variable” ( p. 45) for which a method of discovery is needed.  Hagan (2006) asserted that “a research hypothesis states an expected relationship between variables in positive terms” (p. 20) that must be empirically observed for understanding in relation to an individual, group, or organization.

Hagan (2006) asserted that “sampling is a procedure used in research by which a select subunit of a population is studied in order to analyze the entire population” (p. 140) in order to make an assumption based on the methods used for a given study. For example, Copper and Schindler (2003) asserted that a qualitative method is a “fundamental approach of exploration, including in-depth interviews, participant observation, videotaping of subjects, projective techniques, psychological testing, case studies, street ethnography, elite interviewing, document analysis, proxemics, kinesics, content analysis” (p. 61). Thus, a research methodology provides a blueprint for conducting valid and reliable research.

Reference

Bachman, Ronet and Russell K. Schutt. 2001. The Practice of Research in Criminology and

            Criminal Justice. Pine Forge Press.

Cooper, D. R. & Schindler, P. S. (2003). Business research methods (8th ed). McGraw Hill

            Irwin. Boston.

Hagan, Frank E. (2006). Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology. (7^th ed.). Allyn

            and Bacon.