IRM1501
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO: 250211
DUE DATE: 12 OCT 2026
,INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR LAW AND CRIMINAL
JUSTICE - IRM1501
PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION — OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1: Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific research (15
marks)
Scientific and non-scientific research differ in their methods of collecting information,
testing claims and reaching conclusions.
Scientific research is a systematic and objective process of investigating a problem
using recognised research methods. It involves identifying a research problem,
formulating research questions or hypotheses, collecting relevant data, analysing the
evidence and drawing conclusions supported by the findings. Scientific research follows
established procedures that other researchers can examine, evaluate and, where
appropriate, replicate. It aims to reduce personal bias and produce reliable and valid
knowledge.
For example, a criminologist may conduct a structured survey of convicted offenders to
investigate the relationship between unemployment and property crime. The researcher
would explain the sampling procedure, research instruments and methods of data
analysis so that others can assess the findings.
Non-scientific research involves obtaining knowledge or forming conclusions without
necessarily following systematic scientific procedures. It may rely on personal
experience, intuition, common sense, tradition, beliefs, opinions or information obtained
from unverified sources. Although these sources may provide useful starting points for
investigation, their conclusions are not necessarily tested through systematic data
collection and analysis.
For example, a person may believe that crime increases whenever unemployment rises
simply because they have observed several incidents in their community. Without
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO: 250211
DUE DATE: 12 OCT 2026
,INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR LAW AND CRIMINAL
JUSTICE - IRM1501
PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION — OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1: Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific research (15
marks)
Scientific and non-scientific research differ in their methods of collecting information,
testing claims and reaching conclusions.
Scientific research is a systematic and objective process of investigating a problem
using recognised research methods. It involves identifying a research problem,
formulating research questions or hypotheses, collecting relevant data, analysing the
evidence and drawing conclusions supported by the findings. Scientific research follows
established procedures that other researchers can examine, evaluate and, where
appropriate, replicate. It aims to reduce personal bias and produce reliable and valid
knowledge.
For example, a criminologist may conduct a structured survey of convicted offenders to
investigate the relationship between unemployment and property crime. The researcher
would explain the sampling procedure, research instruments and methods of data
analysis so that others can assess the findings.
Non-scientific research involves obtaining knowledge or forming conclusions without
necessarily following systematic scientific procedures. It may rely on personal
experience, intuition, common sense, tradition, beliefs, opinions or information obtained
from unverified sources. Although these sources may provide useful starting points for
investigation, their conclusions are not necessarily tested through systematic data
collection and analysis.
For example, a person may believe that crime increases whenever unemployment rises
simply because they have observed several incidents in their community. Without
