Introduction
Research plays a pivotal role in criminology, serving as a systematic approach to understanding crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system. From a student’s perspective in this field, research is not merely an academic exercise but a tool for addressing real-world issues like recidivism, policing strategies, and social inequality. This essay explores the main goals of research—exploration, description, explanation, and evaluation—drawing on established criminological frameworks. Each goal will be briefly explained, highlighting its contribution to knowledge generation. By examining these, the essay demonstrates how research advances theoretical and practical insights in criminology, ultimately informing policy and practice (Bachman and Schutt, 2017). This structure allows for a logical progression, building from foundational to applied knowledge.
Exploration as a Research Goal
Exploration represents the initial stage of research, often employed when little is known about a phenomenon. In criminology, this goal involves investigating emerging issues, such as cybercrime trends or the impact of social media on gang violence, to identify patterns and generate hypotheses. For instance, exploratory studies might use qualitative methods like interviews to uncover hidden aspects of offender motivations.
This goal contributes to knowledge generation by laying the groundwork for further inquiry. It broadens the field’s understanding by highlighting gaps and posing new questions, arguably preventing research from becoming stagnant. As Maxfield and Babbie (2018) note, exploration fosters innovation, enabling criminologists to address underrepresented topics like environmental factors in juvenile delinquency. However, its limitations lie in its preliminary nature, offering breadth rather than depth, which necessitates follow-up studies.
Description as a Research Goal
Description focuses on providing a detailed account of phenomena, answering “what” questions in criminology. This involves measuring variables such as crime rates, victim demographics, or patterns in domestic violence. Official statistics from sources like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are commonly used to describe trends, for example, the rise in knife crime in UK urban areas.
By contributing to knowledge generation, description creates a factual foundation upon which other goals build. It enhances accuracy in depicting social realities, allowing for comparisons over time or across regions. Bachman and Schutt (2017) emphasise that descriptive research informs public awareness and policy, such as through crime mapping, which highlights hotspots for intervention. Nevertheless, while it provides essential data, it typically lacks insight into causation, underscoring the need for complementary goals.
Explanation as a Research Goal
Explanation seeks to understand “why” phenomena occur, delving into causal relationships. In criminology, this might involve theories like strain theory to explain how economic deprivation leads to property crime. Longitudinal studies, for example, could link childhood adversity to adult offending.
This goal advances knowledge by revealing underlying mechanisms, thereby refining theories and models. It moves beyond surface-level observations to predictive insights, as seen in research on rehabilitation programmes that explain reduced recidivism through social support (Maxfield and Babbie, 2018). Critically, explanation promotes a deeper comprehension, though challenges arise from confounding variables, requiring rigorous methods to ensure validity.
Evaluation as a Research Goal
Evaluation assesses the effectiveness of interventions, policies, or programmes in criminology, such as restorative justice initiatives or anti-gang strategies. It involves metrics like cost-benefit analysis or outcome measures to determine success.
In generating knowledge, evaluation bridges theory and practice, providing evidence-based recommendations. For example, evaluations of community policing have shown mixed results, informing adjustments to improve trust in law enforcement (Bachman and Schutt, 2017). This goal’s strength lies in its applicability, though it demands ethical considerations to avoid biased assessments.
Conclusion
In summary, the main goals of research—exploration, description, explanation, and evaluation—each uniquely contribute to knowledge generation in criminology. Exploration identifies new areas, description provides factual baselines, explanation uncovers causes, and evaluation tests practical applications. Together, they form a comprehensive framework that advances the field, from theoretical development to policy reform. For students and practitioners, understanding these goals highlights research’s role in tackling crime’s complexities, with implications for more equitable justice systems. Indeed, as criminology evolves, integrating these goals will be crucial for addressing contemporary challenges like digital offences, ensuring knowledge remains relevant and impactful.
References
- Bachman, R. and Schutt, R.K. (2017) The practice of research in criminology and criminal justice. 6th edn. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
- Maxfield, M.G. and Babbie, E.R. (2018) Research methods for criminal justice and criminology. 8th edn. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
