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Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Sixth Edition
- Ronet D. Bachman - University of Delaware, USA
- Russell K. Schutt - University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
Other Titles in:
Research Methods for Criminology & Criminal Justice
Research Methods for Criminology & Criminal Justice
January 2026 | SAGE Publications, Inc
Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice introduces students to the research methods by integrating in-depth research examples into each chapter, highlighting researchers’ decision-making processes, and demonstrating the importance of research. This briefer version of Ronet D. Bachman and Russell K. Schutt’s best-selling The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice simplifies complex concepts with examples found in everyday experiences from the criminology and criminal justice professions. The Sixth Edition includes coverage of newly popular research methods, enhanced tools for learning in the text and online, and contemporary research examples. The text is now available for the first time in Sage Vantage, an easy-to-use learning platform that includes knowledge checks, end-of-chapter quizzes, key concept videos, data activities, and other interactive tools to support student learning.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Science, Society, and Research Related to Criminal Justice and Criminology
Chapter 2: The Process and Problems of Research
Chapter 3: Ethical Guidelines for Research
Chapter 4: Conceptualization and Measurement
Chapter 5: Sampling
Chapter 6: Causation and Experimentation
Chapter 7: Survey Research
Chapter 8: Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis
Chapter 9: Analyzing Content and Police Data: Social-Network Analysis, Crime Mapping, Big Data, and Content Analysis
Chapter 10: Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Chapter 11: Mixed-Methods and Assessing Findings Across Studies
Chapter 12: Summarizing and Reporting Research
Appendix A: Questions to Ask About A Research Article
Appendix B: How to Read a Research Article
Appendix C: How to Use a Statistical Package: SPSS
Appendix D: How to Use a Qualitative Analysis Package
Appendix E: How to Use a Data Spreadsheet: Excel
Appendix F: Quantitative Data Analysis
Appendix G: Data Sets
Glossary
References
Index
I would tell my colleagues that they would have to try this book for their research methods course. Why?—because it is easy for students to read and it is easy to construct a semester-long course around. Moreover, the clarity of the writing will reduce the number of students who are confused.
Florida State University
