What are criminal justice and criminological research? Why conduct this research? And, how is this research completed? Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice answers these questions by clearly explaining the basics of social science research using a simple and easy-to-understand approach. The essentials to a foundational understanding of criminal justice research methods are all there, including scientific theory, research language, and research design. The Fourth Edition features updated case studies and numerous revisions to topics such as sampling, research design, quantitative and qualitative research studies, data collection, and data analysis. Conducting research should not be a daunting chore. Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice makes the task of learning how to conduct research understandable, enjoyable, and applicable to the criminal justice topics students are most interested in.