Criminological and Criminal Justice Research

¶ … Criminological and Criminal Justice Research

Comparative research

Comparative research is a technique in the social sciences that seeks to draw comparisons across different cultures or countries.

What led to its use in criminology?

The comparative methodology is not new to research studies in the social science field. In 1889, E.B. Taylor recognized the profits of comparative research in his presentation to the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain. Nonetheless, with a couple of prominent special cases, his call for comparative studies went unheeded by non-anthropological analysts until the mid-1950s (Bennett, 2009). At that point, scientists in psychology, political science and sociology started utilizing comparative approaches to develop and test theories in their disciplines. Not until the late 1970s and early 1980s did criminologists, start investigating crime comparatively. Since then, there has been a gradual expansion of criminological literary works, which utilizes comparative techniques.

The September 2001 events altered the way Americans viewed the world and how different the justice systems in different countries address issues of global terrorism. The mainstream media that published criminal justices practices and systems in some nations highlighted the recently discovered interest. It was once perceived as a topic of debate in annual meetings but developed into front-page headlines. Since the 9/11 terror attack, academically focused studies on these topics has grown (Winterdyk, Reichel & Dammer, 2009). For instance, the European Society of Criminology (ESC) has expanded generously every year since then. Right now, the International Division of the ASC has the biggest participation of any division across the society.

Such increased focus towards global terrorism and comparative research has never been a surprise. The terror attacks stirred European and American publics' attention and interest to something, which remains a major security concern across the world for a year.

The design of comparative research

A comparative study exists when a researcher endeavors to answer questions concerning the distinctions between two or more groups or countries. The comparative research design holds defined aspects that hold accurate over all types of comparative exploration. These qualities permit the researcher to utilize their research in a statistically valid and objective manner (Cohen, 2008).

Types of data are used in comparative research

Official Data

Most research studies about comparative crime depend on official information. This information is gathered for utilization by the criminal agencies in a jurisdiction or country. The needs and concerns of researchers concentrating on the correlates of criminal justice and crime are irrelevant. This information is then transmitted to a supra-national information center and distribution office where descriptions of crime must be uniform instead of in strict arrangement with every country's definitions based upon its punitive law (Bennett, 2009).

Survey Data

An exceptional emerging addition to a toolbox of a comparative researcher is the crime victim survey. While this approach is consistent in many countries, there is a variance in the sampling when undertaken within a country. Some countries can use nationwide samples while others will only confine their studies to cities with largest populations only. Data collected in the survey questionnaires is then translated into the dialect of the country by professionals from that country who then regulate the fielding of the study in their country of origin (Cohen, 2008).

Benefits and drawbacks to using this type of research in criminology

With the increase in global criminal justice and crime, more scientists are devoting their interest in comparative studies. Comparative studies have limited implications on policies of a country unlike researches directed to a country where discoveries are drawn with significant approach suggestions provided. Therefore, funding for comparative studies is the major hindrance. Any study that includes more than one country will be very expensive regardless of whether it engages original observations, data, and interviews (Bennett, 2009).

Access to the research subjects has demonstrated to be challenging. Access could involve securing confidential and sensitive data, interviewing groups of sensitive agencies and observing clandestine activities. While access issues may not be limited to comparative studies, they tend to be pronounced in comparative settings, particularly in the third world countries.

Concerning the benefits, comparative studies offer an in depth comprehension of how different systems of justice function across the world. Such knowledge has an instantaneous and direct implications on policy on various fonts. First, by gaining knowledge of how different justice systems function, one can propose successful linkages around them to monitor and control global crime effectively (Winterdyk, Reichel & Dammer, 2009). In addition, by studying global justice systems, a researcher can gather an inventory of best practices within the criminal justice system. The dissemination and collection of "best practices" across the criminal justice system does not suggest all structures will work uniformly in alternative social setting. Nevertheless, these concepts could be investigated and possibly embraced in new cultures.