This sixth edition continues to demonstrate the vital role research plays by integrating in-depth, real-world case studies with a comprehensive discussion of research methods. By pairing research techniques with practical examples from the field, the authors equip students to evaluate and conduct research. Covering research findings from critical areas in criminal justice, such as police use of force, cybercrime, and race, this text helps students understand the importance of research, not just the process.


The Sixth Edition of this best-selling text retains the strengths of previous editions while breaking ground with emergent research methods, enhanced tools for learning in the text and online, and contemporary, fascinating research findings. Students engage with the wide realm of research methods available to them, delve deeper into topics relevant to their field of study, and benefit from the wide variety of new exercises to help them practice as they learn.


This edition is accompanied by an Edge site: edge.sagepub.com/bachmanprccj6e



New to this edition:




New real-world research examples including the effects of incarceration on employment, the effects of police wearing body cameras on police and citizen injury, the perceptions of citizens regarding police misconduct, and an investigation into the lives of gang members.
A new chapter on qualitative data analysis summarizes the different techniques using a case study of interviews with drug-involved offenders.
Updated "Research in the News" boxes feature the latest media stories which have made an impact both on researchers and practitioners
New "Careers and Research" profiles highlight the relevance of research in today's job market
New end-of-chapter exercise questions refer students to a chapter-specific video posted on the Study Site, in which researchers discuss their experiences with a method presented in that chapter.
New empirical data sets featured on the Study Site give students access to new subsets of data
New SPSS and Excel exercises that correspond to the chapter material provide students with extra practice of the research methods being explained.