NCJ Number
229141
Date Published
2009
Length
224 pages
Annotation
This study guide for students taking courses in criminology and criminal justice assumes no prior knowledge of the subject in summarizing key concepts that attempt to explain criminal behavior and measures developed to prevent crime, along with an overview of the criminal justice system; and guidance is offered on how students can further expand their knowledge of criminology and criminal justice.
Abstract
Chapter 1 presents an overview of the main theories about why individuals and groups commit crime and what measures might be used to prevent it. Exercises included in the chapter are intended to encourage students to extend the basic knowledge derived from the chapter. Chapter 2 focuses on the agencies that compose the criminal justice process. It provides basic facts on the structure and development of criminal justice agencies; and, as in chapter 1, suggests additional reading that can expand students' knowledge in these areas. The information provided in the first two chapters sets the stage for chapter 3, which addresses how to find information and material related to the study of criminology and the criminal justice system. It distinguishes between primary and secondary source material and discusses the various formats used to present material. Chapter 4 provides a basic introduction to research methods, as it distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative research methods, with attention to questionnaire design. The remaining three chapters provide additional guidance on methodologies for the study of criminology and criminal justice. The guidance relates to the development and presentation of written work, how to avoid plagiarism, the study of criminology in higher education, how to make the best use of lectures and classes, and the various mechanisms of knowledge assessment they are likely to encounter in their education. Chapter references, a dictionary of key terms in criminology and criminal justice, and a subject index