Research Methods in Criminal Justice
(Fourth Edition)
©2025, 390 pages
Paperback list price: $114.95
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Focusing specifically on scientific research in criminal justice, the 4th Edition of this text introduces students to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research in a uniquely applied, relevant manner easily understood by future criminal justice professionals.
Divided into four sections (introduction to research in criminal justice; sampling methods; statistics; and common errors in presenting and interpreting research findings and technology), the chapters are easy to read, accessible, and chock-full of real-world criminal justice examples and data. There are also helpful pedagogical resources such as chapter learning objectives, examples, and key terms along with an excerpt of the Code of Ethics from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences found at the end of the book.
This edition has been updated throughout to include descriptions of new practices and approaches, such as mixed methods data collection and analysis, and technological applications in data collection and analysis. In addition, some chapters have been combined to make room for new information such as an expanded discussion of qualitative research methods.
Divided into four sections (introduction to research in criminal justice; sampling methods; statistics; and common errors in presenting and interpreting research findings and technology), the chapters are easy to read, accessible, and chock-full of real-world criminal justice examples and data. There are also helpful pedagogical resources such as chapter learning objectives, examples, and key terms along with an excerpt of the Code of Ethics from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences found at the end of the book.
This edition has been updated throughout to include descriptions of new practices and approaches, such as mixed methods data collection and analysis, and technological applications in data collection and analysis. In addition, some chapters have been combined to make room for new information such as an expanded discussion of qualitative research methods.
Jennifer M. Allen is a professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University. She has worked with juveniles in detention, on probation, and with those victimized by abuse and neglect. Dr. Allen has published in the areas of restorative justice, juvenile delinquency and justice, youth programming, police crime, and policing administration and ethics.
Jack D. Fitzgerald is Professor Emeritus at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he taught sociology, including research methods and statistics, at Knox College. He has written a number of textbooks, research reports, and articles in the professional literature.
Steven M. Cox was a member of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration faculty at Western Illinois University from 1975 to 2007. The author of numerous articles and textbooks, he also has served as trainer and consultant to numerous criminal justice agencies in the United States and abroad.
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Adopting instructors will receive test banks for each chapter.
"One of the few methods textbooks that clearly outlines the connection between research methods and statistical analyses for students."
Erika Brooke, University of Florida, Sociology and Criminology & Law
"The text provides a good use of everyday examples to explain the fundamentals of research design to the average social science student. The text uses a student-centered tone that allows the reader to feel as if the author is talking directly to them."
Tracy G. Crump, Elmhurst University
"A great introductory text for the aspiring researcher."
Kelly Elkins, Towson University
"Research Methods in Criminal Justice is a very informative textbook, and the review questions and exercises and the end of each chapter help to reinforce the information learned."
Matilda Foster, University of North Georgia
"This textbook provides an authoritative take on criminal justice research that showcases the important social dimensions to understanding its importance and value."
John Hazy, Youngstown State University
"The Research Methods in Criminal Justice text (Fitzgerald, Cox, & Allen) emphasizes, among other important objectives, the noble goal of ensuring readers’ mastery of "research literacy." That is, the critical competency to “analyze, and determine if the scientific process and results are legitimate and how much credibility to give during an investigation of a phenomenon.” For this reason, and for many other selling points, the text appeals to a wide array of audiences—students, criminal justice practitioners, and anyone looking to improve their comprehension of the scientific process."
Christina Mancini, Virginia Commonwealth University
"Using practical, real-life examples from the discipline of criminal justice, this well-written and relatable textbook provides a comprehensive overview of research methods and statistical analysis."
Robert Postic, The University of Findlay
"Great choice for research methods and basic statistics for criminal justice education."
Jun Wu, Angelo State University
"This text provides a solid background of both research methods and statistics for undergraduate students. The real world examples are fantastic and will really bring the topic home for many students who have difficulty really grasping the “why” of research methods/statistics."
Sara Zedaker, University of Houston-Victoria
Erika Brooke, University of Florida, Sociology and Criminology & Law
"The text provides a good use of everyday examples to explain the fundamentals of research design to the average social science student. The text uses a student-centered tone that allows the reader to feel as if the author is talking directly to them."
Tracy G. Crump, Elmhurst University
"A great introductory text for the aspiring researcher."
Kelly Elkins, Towson University
"Research Methods in Criminal Justice is a very informative textbook, and the review questions and exercises and the end of each chapter help to reinforce the information learned."
Matilda Foster, University of North Georgia
"This textbook provides an authoritative take on criminal justice research that showcases the important social dimensions to understanding its importance and value."
John Hazy, Youngstown State University
"The Research Methods in Criminal Justice text (Fitzgerald, Cox, & Allen) emphasizes, among other important objectives, the noble goal of ensuring readers’ mastery of "research literacy." That is, the critical competency to “analyze, and determine if the scientific process and results are legitimate and how much credibility to give during an investigation of a phenomenon.” For this reason, and for many other selling points, the text appeals to a wide array of audiences—students, criminal justice practitioners, and anyone looking to improve their comprehension of the scientific process."
Christina Mancini, Virginia Commonwealth University
"Using practical, real-life examples from the discipline of criminal justice, this well-written and relatable textbook provides a comprehensive overview of research methods and statistical analysis."
Robert Postic, The University of Findlay
"Great choice for research methods and basic statistics for criminal justice education."
Jun Wu, Angelo State University
"This text provides a solid background of both research methods and statistics for undergraduate students. The real world examples are fantastic and will really bring the topic home for many students who have difficulty really grasping the “why” of research methods/statistics."
Sara Zedaker, University of Houston-Victoria
