Quantitative versus Qualitative Methods: Understanding Why Quantitative Methods are Predominant in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Abstract

The development of knowledge is important for criminology and criminal justice.Two predominant types of methods are available for criminologists' to use--quantitative and qualitative methods.A debate is presently taking place in the literature as to which of these methods is the proper method to provide knowledge in criminology and criminal justice.The present study outlines the key issues for both methods and suggests that a criminologist' research questions and hypotheses should be used to determine the proper method. Quantitative versus Qualitative Methods: Understanding the Methods in CriminologyResearch is the discovery of information that is either new or replicates previous findings.Research becomes scientific when if follows specific methodologies that others may be able to replicate to arrive at similar results.Two types of methodologies are predominant in criminology and criminal justice that provide this sense of science--quantitative and qualitative methods.However, Tewksbury, DeMichele, and Miller (2005) have shown that quantitative methods are used more often than qualitative methods in criminology and criminal justice.Importantly, quantitative and qualitative methods differ in several ways.The present study contributes to the literature by presenting a theoretical treatment of quantitative and qualitative research.The study begins by presenting quantitative and qualitative