Download Research Methods in Criminology: Understanding Human Inquiry and Scientific Paradigms - Pr and more Study notes Criminal Justice in PDF only on Docsity! CRIM 251- Research methods Chapter 1- Human Inquiry and Science Thursday, January 16, 2014 Looking for reality - How do we know its real? - A scientific assertation must have both logical and empirical support. Epistemology- the science of knowing, systems of knowledge Methodology- the scientific investigation Agreement Reality- those things we know as a part of the culture we share with those around us. Ordinary Human Inquiry Humans want to predict the future. Why? - We recognize that the future is caused in part by the present. - Cause and effect patterns are probabilistic in nature. Prediction versus Understanding - Tradition - Authority Errors in inquiry, and some solutions Inaccurate Observations Measurement devises offer accuracy - Overgeneralizations - Large and representative samples are a safeguard against overgeneralization. - Replications- Repeating research study - Selective Observations - Avoid looking for deviant cases. - Illogical reasoning - Gamblers fallacy- if I play enough ill eventually get it. What’s really reality? 3 views - The pre modern - Modern - Postmodern The foundations of social science are logic and observation Theory- a systematic explanation for the observations that relate to a particular aspect of life. Theory, Not philosophy or belief - Social theory has to do with what should be, not what is - Know what is and why Social Regularities - The Charge of Triviality - What about exceptions? - People could interfere Aggregates, Not individuals - The collective actions and situations of many individuals. - Focus of social science is to explain why aggregate patterns of behavior are regular even if others change over time. Concepts and Variables - Variables- Logical groupings - Independent Variables - Dependant Variables Purposes of social research - Exploratory- explore the issue - Descriptive- Explanation on what was explored - Explanatory – Why? Qualitative and Quantitative Data - Qualitative- Non-numerical - Quantitative- Numerical Pure and applied research - Pure- Gaining knowledge CRIM 251- Research methods Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Chapter 2- Paradigms, Theory and Social Research Paradigms- Models through which to observe and understand Patterns Happen Logical explanations are what theories seek to provide. - Prevent flukes - Observe patterns - shape and direct research effort two benefits Better understand seemly bizarre views and actions of others who are operating under different paradigms We can profit from steeping outside of paradigm. - Paradigms play a fundamental role in science - Neither true or false Macrotheory- Understanding the big picture Micro theory- a theory aimed at understanding social life at the intimate level of individuals and their interactions. Mesotheory- Intermediate level Early Positivism- Positive Philosophy - Theological Stage - Metaphysical - Positivist Stage Social Darwinism - Translation of Darwins theory into societies, over time, societies are improving Eugenics- From the U.S. - Nazi’s - Social Engineering - Mental ill babies - Better baby(not ugly) Conflict Paradigm - Marx: Attempt to dominate other and avoid being dominated Simmel: Focused on small-scale conflict Chossudovsky: International and global competition Symbolic Interactions - Simmel: Interested in how individuals interacted with one another, a micro approach. - Mead: taking the role of the other - Cooley: looking-glass self , primary groups
