CMY3708
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research:
Applying the Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in the social sciences when a researcher wants to
understand people, behaviour and social processes in depth. It focuses on meanings,
experiences and interpretations rather than numbers and statistics. In criminology,
qualitative research is especially important because crime is rooted in human behaviour,
social relationships and community contexts. When studying complex problems such as
extortion in an informal settlement like Marikana in Philippi East, it is not enough to count
incidents. Researchers must understand how extortion operates, how detectives investigate
it, how victims experience it, and how it affects the wider community. This essay critically
discusses the characteristics and purpose of qualitative research and applies these to the
extortion case study. The discussion draws on leading scholars in research methodology
and shows how a qualitative approach would assist field workers conducting research with
detectives from the serious and violent crimes unit.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative
Research: Applying the Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in the social sciences when a researcher wants
to understand people, behaviour and social processes in depth. It focuses on
meanings, experiences and interpretations rather than numbers and statistics. In
criminology, qualitative research is especially important because crime is rooted in
human behaviour, social relationships and community contexts. When studying
complex problems such as extortion in an informal settlement like Marikana in
Philippi East, it is not enough to count incidents. Researchers must understand how
extortion operates, how detectives investigate it, how victims experience it, and how
it affects the wider community. This essay critically discusses the characteristics and
purpose of qualitative research and applies these to the extortion case study. The
discussion draws on leading scholars in research methodology and shows how a
qualitative approach would assist field workers conducting research with detectives
from the serious and violent crimes unit.
2. Definition of key concepts
Qualitative research refers to a research approach that seeks to understand social
phenomena from the perspective of participants by collecting and analysing non
numerical data such as words, observations and documents (Creswell 2014; Babbie
2016).
Extortion in criminological terms refers to obtaining money, property or services
through threats, intimidation or coercion. In the Marikana case study, the shooting is
linked to extortion activities within the informal settlement.
Natural setting refers to the real life environment where social interaction occurs.
Qualitative research is conducted in these real contexts rather than in controlled
laboratory environments (Neuman 2014).
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research:
Applying the Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in the social sciences when a researcher wants to
understand people, behaviour and social processes in depth. It focuses on meanings,
experiences and interpretations rather than numbers and statistics. In criminology,
qualitative research is especially important because crime is rooted in human behaviour,
social relationships and community contexts. When studying complex problems such as
extortion in an informal settlement like Marikana in Philippi East, it is not enough to count
incidents. Researchers must understand how extortion operates, how detectives investigate
it, how victims experience it, and how it affects the wider community. This essay critically
discusses the characteristics and purpose of qualitative research and applies these to the
extortion case study. The discussion draws on leading scholars in research methodology
and shows how a qualitative approach would assist field workers conducting research with
detectives from the serious and violent crimes unit.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative
Research: Applying the Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in the social sciences when a researcher wants
to understand people, behaviour and social processes in depth. It focuses on
meanings, experiences and interpretations rather than numbers and statistics. In
criminology, qualitative research is especially important because crime is rooted in
human behaviour, social relationships and community contexts. When studying
complex problems such as extortion in an informal settlement like Marikana in
Philippi East, it is not enough to count incidents. Researchers must understand how
extortion operates, how detectives investigate it, how victims experience it, and how
it affects the wider community. This essay critically discusses the characteristics and
purpose of qualitative research and applies these to the extortion case study. The
discussion draws on leading scholars in research methodology and shows how a
qualitative approach would assist field workers conducting research with detectives
from the serious and violent crimes unit.
2. Definition of key concepts
Qualitative research refers to a research approach that seeks to understand social
phenomena from the perspective of participants by collecting and analysing non
numerical data such as words, observations and documents (Creswell 2014; Babbie
2016).
Extortion in criminological terms refers to obtaining money, property or services
through threats, intimidation or coercion. In the Marikana case study, the shooting is
linked to extortion activities within the informal settlement.
Natural setting refers to the real life environment where social interaction occurs.
Qualitative research is conducted in these real contexts rather than in controlled
laboratory environments (Neuman 2014).
