IRM1501 Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice
Assignment 01 Semester 02 2025
UNIQUE NUMBER: 861902
, 1. Empirical research plays a crucial role in the study of law and criminal justice
because it relies on actual observation and evidence rather than just theory. At its core,
empirical research involves gathering data from the real world to answer specific
questions or test hypotheses. This kind of research is essential because it helps legal
practitioners, policymakers, and researchers understand how laws and justice systems
work in practice, rather than simply in theory (Neuman, 2014).
One of the first steps in empirical research is identifying a clear research problem or
question. For example, a researcher might want to explore how community policing
affects crime rates in a city. This question sets the direction for the entire study (Babbie,
2016). Following this, researchers often develop a hypothesis a statement predicting a
relationship between variables such as “Community policing reduces violent crime.”
Alternatively, they may set broader research objectives to explore issues without
preconceived notions.
Before collecting new data, it’s important to review existing literature. This means
looking at previous studies, legal frameworks, and theories to see what is already
known and where gaps exist (Punch, 2014). For instance, reviewing past research on
community policing programs around the world helps frame the current study and avoid
duplicating work.
Once the groundwork is laid, researchers choose a research design that suits their
objectives. This could be quantitative, where numerical data like crime statistics are
analyzed, or qualitative, where in-depth interviews with police officers and residents
provide insights. Sometimes, a mixed-methods approach is used to combine both types
of data for a fuller picture (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
Data collection is the next step, involving gathering information either directly, such as
through surveys and interviews, or indirectly, by accessing police records or court
documents. For example, to study the impact of community policing, a researcher might
analyze arrest records and conduct interviews with community members to understand
their perceptions (Maxfield & Babbie, 2015).
Assignment 01 Semester 02 2025
UNIQUE NUMBER: 861902
, 1. Empirical research plays a crucial role in the study of law and criminal justice
because it relies on actual observation and evidence rather than just theory. At its core,
empirical research involves gathering data from the real world to answer specific
questions or test hypotheses. This kind of research is essential because it helps legal
practitioners, policymakers, and researchers understand how laws and justice systems
work in practice, rather than simply in theory (Neuman, 2014).
One of the first steps in empirical research is identifying a clear research problem or
question. For example, a researcher might want to explore how community policing
affects crime rates in a city. This question sets the direction for the entire study (Babbie,
2016). Following this, researchers often develop a hypothesis a statement predicting a
relationship between variables such as “Community policing reduces violent crime.”
Alternatively, they may set broader research objectives to explore issues without
preconceived notions.
Before collecting new data, it’s important to review existing literature. This means
looking at previous studies, legal frameworks, and theories to see what is already
known and where gaps exist (Punch, 2014). For instance, reviewing past research on
community policing programs around the world helps frame the current study and avoid
duplicating work.
Once the groundwork is laid, researchers choose a research design that suits their
objectives. This could be quantitative, where numerical data like crime statistics are
analyzed, or qualitative, where in-depth interviews with police officers and residents
provide insights. Sometimes, a mixed-methods approach is used to combine both types
of data for a fuller picture (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
Data collection is the next step, involving gathering information either directly, such as
through surveys and interviews, or indirectly, by accessing police records or court
documents. For example, to study the impact of community policing, a researcher might
analyze arrest records and conduct interviews with community members to understand
their perceptions (Maxfield & Babbie, 2015).
