CMY3708 - Qualitative Research Methodology In Criminology (CMY3708)
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Summary - CMY3708 - Qualitative Research Methodology In Criminology (CMY3708)
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CMY3708 - Qualitative Research Methodology In Criminology (CMY3708)
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University Of South Africa (Unisa)
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CMY3708 - Qualitative Research Methodology In Criminology (CMY3708)
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CMY3708
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
THEME 1
REFLECTION ON A QUALITATIVE APPROACH IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Unit 1.1.
Philosophy of science
Philosophical assumptions
Research divided:
- Quantitative research (numerical; i.to. magnitude)
- Qualitative research (written/ spoken words/ observations)
Philosophical assumptions: thoughts and worldviews of researcher; reflects
how researcher thinks about social world
all research based on underlying assumptions.
5 philosophical assumptions qualitative research:
1. Ontology (perspective on what he knows)
2. Epistemology (how he knows knowledge)
3. Axiology (role of values in research)
4. Rhetoric (language of research)
5. Methodology (methods used in process)
1. Ontology
Relate to nature of reality and it’s characteristics
“What are we studying?”
“What are we looking at?”
Qualitative research we study people and their behaviour.
Concerned with objects and behaviour that we assume to exist in the
world and they should be viewed and studied.
Ontological issues help construction of research bc different
perspectives when planning research projects.
2. Epistemology
How we think about objects and behaviour that are being studied.
Derived from ‘episteme’ (knowledge) and ‘logos’ (explanation).
1
, What is knowledge and how do we know this?
Are there diff kinds of knowledge?
Are there good procedures for discovering knowledge?
Epistemology concerned w analysing the nature of knowledge and
means of acquiring knowledge.
3. Axiology
Refers to role of values and ethics in research.
Values are viewed as part of basic beliefs that affect entire research
process.
4. Rhetoric
Refers to ability to use language effectively and persuasively to capture
essence phenomenon.
Refer to validity i.t.o. credibility, transferability, dependability and
conformability.
Represents philosophical assumptions of a study.
5. Methodology
Each research approach has unique methodology.
Qualitative study = characteristically inductive and shaped by
researchers collection and analysis of data.
Paradigms of worldviews
Paradigm:
- model/ framework for observation/understanding
- shapes how people see and understand their life-world
- “fixed” set of assumptions about the way a study should be done
- Represents shared ideas prevalent in a specific research community
Types of paradigms
1. Positivism
Positists believe scientific methods best approach study natural and human
phenomena.
Only accepted way to obtain objective and scientific knowledge with:
- Sensory observation
- Experimentation
- Testing
- Findings
Assume human behaviour and experiences can be observed, explained,
predicted and controlled.
Researcher = detached = only observes.
Concept of value-free knowledge = important.
2
, 2. Interpretivism
Anti-positivistic/ humanistic approach
Approaches acknowledges differences between natural and human
phenomena (claims cannot be studied in the same way)
People live in a world where they interact with each other
Life-world constructed through experiences perceptions and interactions with
other people.
Only way to study human phenomena: researcher immerse himself in context.
(interaction with people, behaviour, environment)
The practice of research in criminology
Criminology’s approach to study of crime unique bc follows
multidisciplinary approach
Criminologist following positivist philosophy strive to advance scientific
knowledge
Positivist research structured and aimed at testing empirical realities w/o
becoming personally involved
- Research carried out systematically
- Use questionnaire
Interpretivist philosophy:
- aim to understand meaning people give to reality and how reality shaped
and influenced by perceptions and interactions with others.
- Make assumptions about nature of people and society and relationship
between people and society.
- Use personal interviews.
Integrated philosophical approach:
- Integrates aspects of both positivist and interpretivist philosophy.
Criminological studies follow empirical and theoretical route to answer
questions.
Empirical studies rely on theoretical explanations of crime to inform collection,
analysis and interpretation of data.
Use empirical research to test theories and develop new ones.
Choice of philosophical approach depends on researcher perspective and
appropriateness for research goals.
STUDY UNIT 1.2.
A QULITATIVE APPROACH IN RESEARCH
3
, Defining qualitative research
Lichtman:
- General term represents way researcher collects, organises and interprets
info that has been acquired by humans.
- In-depth interviews/ observation humans.
- Purpose: examine participants understanding and views of social
environment.
- Emphasis placed on researcher’s direct involvement in research process.
Dantzker and Hunter:
- “an examination and interpretation of observations as expressed by
researcher’s words rather than numerical assignments”
Bachman and Schutt:
- Use methods such as observations and in-depth interviews to capture
social life as participants experience it.
- No direct numerical interpretation
Characteristics of qualitative research
Takes place natural setting.
Researcher actively participate research process (to develop understanding)
Interactive and humanistic.
Makes us multiple methods to collect and analyse data:
- Interviews
- Observation
- Literacy sources
Emergent; not tightly prefigured. (unfolds as research progresses/ aspects
might change during process)
Fundamentally interpretive – data interpreted identification of themes and
categories and draws conclusions.
Qualitative researchers reflect on role in research process and mindful of
preconceptions.
Qualitative researcher views social phenomena holistically ( concerned with
all facets)
Uses complex reasoning – multifaceted, interactive, simultaneous
Reasoning largely inductive, meaning assumptions based on observation of
same experience, general principle involved.
Researcher plays active role and interpretation done through their
interpretational lens.
Purpose of qualitative research in criminology
Discovering new knowledge
4
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