Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners

A Student's Guide

Jane Hill author Laura Caulfield author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Publishing:28th Feb '25

£35.99

This title is due to be published on 28th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners cover

Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners, Third Edition, is a comprehensive and engaging guide to research methods in Criminology, and the skills required for academic success. Written primarily for undergraduate students and novice researchers, this book has been designed as a lively and accessible guide to planning, conducting and reporting research in the subject. It emphasises practical skills required in studying Criminology, the importance of criminological research, and places related methodology firmly in the context of students’ broader study of the discipline, before moving on to provide a detailed guide to the actual processes of research that students can return to at each stage of their study, all the way through to their dissertation.

This book presents:

• an examination of the theoretical, political and ethical debates in criminological research;

• a complete guide to planning criminological research, assisting student researchers in identifying their research questions, choosing their research methods and critiquing the available literature;

• guidance on the practicalities and processes of collecting data;

• contemporary examples and case studies;

• a discussion of the process of analysing data and writing up research.

New to the third edition is a brand-new chapter on using online and social media data sources. This edition also includes new coverage of mixed-methods approaches, preparing a research proposal, a spotlight on researcher well-being, and guidance on writing reflective essays.

Including an extensive glossary and online support material with extra examples, exercises and videos to further develop students’ understanding, this book is essential reading for any undergraduate on a Criminological Research Methods or Research Skills course, or for anyone in need of practical guidance on any or all of the various stages involved in conducting thorough and effective criminological research.

"This book is a one stop shop for being able to grow and succeed at university! It is a fantastic resource written and presented in a friendly and accessible way to support undergraduate students to develop their criminological and research skills. The book is broken down into byte sized chunks, and filled with practical tips, activities and tools that empower students to personalise their learning approach to achieve the best grades possible."

David Patton, Associate Professor in Criminology, University of Derby, UK

“This third edition offers students both transferrable academic skills as well as specialist knowledge of criminological research and how to put skills into action.

The book covers the whole of the research journey and provides contemporary reflections on mixed methods and the use of social media which is highly relevant to students. There is strength in the coverage of how to analyse a range of research data and make sense of this in a way that can be articulated for assignments and non-academic audiences.”

Teela Sanders, Professor in Criminology, University of Leicester, UK

“This is a well thought-out study skills companion for all those engaging with Criminology and wider Social Science subjects. It is written in a clear and accessible way, with each chapter offering valuable knowledge and support that assists with development of the Criminological self. A highly recommended book.”

Tina G. Patel, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Salford, UK

Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners is an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated guide to the research and study skills students need. It is a text that captures the imagination with real-life examples and reassures students taking those first (and subsequent) steps in conducting criminological research. The new chapters in this 3rd edition on conducting online research and writing reflective essays are a welcome addition to the topics covered in previous editions. This continues to be an essential text for my research students.”

Eleanor Peters, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Edge Hill University, UK

“This book is an essential read for all criminology students! The new edition covers common issues that students struggle with like referencing and revision but also offers important sections on researcher wellbeing, and skills that will be useful beyond university, for example preparing a research proposal and research drawing on mixed method approaches. Key research skills including negotiating ethics, collecting and analysing data and writing up research projects are outlined in an easy to understand and accessible format. Students are encouraged to pause and reflect on their practice throughout. Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners is an invaluable tool to get you through your degree. Highly Recommended!"

Mary Laing, Lecturer in Sociology, University of York, UK

Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners 3rd Ed is bolstered by the inclusion of discussion of researcher well-being, in particular. This topic is important, but all too often overlooked in research texts. Similarly, the new guidance on reflective essays is welcome and will be of great assistance to our students.”

Alice Gerlach, Lecturer in Criminology, Oxford Brookes University, UK

“This small book packs a punch. It is insightful, comprehensive and as such is a valuable resource and reference book for any student of criminology. This updated third edition is timely, including further material on doing research online and writing reflective pieces of work, ensuring that it remains relevant for students – and should be at the top of any reading list.”

Victoria Bell, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Teesside University, UK

ISBN: 9781032645629

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

390 pages

3rd edition