CMY3708
F1 CONCESSION AUGUST 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 22 August 2025
QUESTION 1
Qualitative research is a methodological approach that seeks to understand human
experiences, behaviours, and interactions by engaging directly with participants in their
natural settings. In criminology, this approach is invaluable because crime is a deeply social
phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through statistics alone. Instead, it requires an
appreciation of meanings, perceptions, and lived realities. The study of express kidnappings
in Gauteng, a rising form of violent crime, provides a clear context where qualitative
research can uncover the complex causes and social dynamics behind the phenomenon.
According to SAPS reports, South Africa has seen a dramatic 260% increase in kidnappings
over the past decade, with Gauteng emerging as the epicentre (Nozulela, 2025). These
alarming figures highlight the need for in-depth exploration of the causes, structures, and
lived experiences surrounding such crimes.
This essay critically discusses the key characteristics of qualitative research and its purpose
in criminology, applying these insights to the express kidnapping case study.
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
INTRODUCTION
Qualitative research is an essential approach used to explore and understand
human behaviour, experiences, and social processes. Unlike quantitative research,
which focuses on numerical data, qualitative research seeks to uncover deep
meanings and insights by examining participants' thoughts, emotions, and actions in
natural settings. This assignment critically discusses the characteristics and purpose
of qualitative research, using the express kidnapping case study as an example to
illustrate how this method can be applied to investigate complex social issues. The
essay further explores the ethical considerations necessary when conducting
qualitative research, especially when working with human participants. Ethical
research practices are vital to protect participants from harm, ensure informed
consent, and maintain trust and integrity throughout the study. This paper will outline
the purpose of research ethics and explain the key ethical principles and guidelines
that should be followed to ensure the study is both respectful and credible.
QUESTION 1
Qualitative research is a methodological approach that seeks to understand human
experiences, behaviours, and interactions by engaging directly with participants in
their natural settings. In criminology, this approach is invaluable because crime is a
deeply social phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through statistics alone.
Instead, it requires an appreciation of meanings, perceptions, and lived realities. The
study of express kidnappings in Gauteng, a rising form of violent crime, provides a
clear context where qualitative research can uncover the complex causes and social
dynamics behind the phenomenon. According to SAPS reports, South Africa has
seen a dramatic 260% increase in kidnappings over the past decade, with Gauteng
emerging as the epicentre (Nozulela, 2025). These alarming figures highlight the
need for in-depth exploration of the causes, structures, and lived experiences
surrounding such crimes.
This essay critically discusses the key characteristics of qualitative research and
its purpose in criminology, applying these insights to the express kidnapping case
study.
F1 CONCESSION AUGUST 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 22 August 2025
QUESTION 1
Qualitative research is a methodological approach that seeks to understand human
experiences, behaviours, and interactions by engaging directly with participants in their
natural settings. In criminology, this approach is invaluable because crime is a deeply social
phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through statistics alone. Instead, it requires an
appreciation of meanings, perceptions, and lived realities. The study of express kidnappings
in Gauteng, a rising form of violent crime, provides a clear context where qualitative
research can uncover the complex causes and social dynamics behind the phenomenon.
According to SAPS reports, South Africa has seen a dramatic 260% increase in kidnappings
over the past decade, with Gauteng emerging as the epicentre (Nozulela, 2025). These
alarming figures highlight the need for in-depth exploration of the causes, structures, and
lived experiences surrounding such crimes.
This essay critically discusses the key characteristics of qualitative research and its purpose
in criminology, applying these insights to the express kidnapping case study.
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
INTRODUCTION
Qualitative research is an essential approach used to explore and understand
human behaviour, experiences, and social processes. Unlike quantitative research,
which focuses on numerical data, qualitative research seeks to uncover deep
meanings and insights by examining participants' thoughts, emotions, and actions in
natural settings. This assignment critically discusses the characteristics and purpose
of qualitative research, using the express kidnapping case study as an example to
illustrate how this method can be applied to investigate complex social issues. The
essay further explores the ethical considerations necessary when conducting
qualitative research, especially when working with human participants. Ethical
research practices are vital to protect participants from harm, ensure informed
consent, and maintain trust and integrity throughout the study. This paper will outline
the purpose of research ethics and explain the key ethical principles and guidelines
that should be followed to ensure the study is both respectful and credible.
QUESTION 1
Qualitative research is a methodological approach that seeks to understand human
experiences, behaviours, and interactions by engaging directly with participants in
their natural settings. In criminology, this approach is invaluable because crime is a
deeply social phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through statistics alone.
Instead, it requires an appreciation of meanings, perceptions, and lived realities. The
study of express kidnappings in Gauteng, a rising form of violent crime, provides a
clear context where qualitative research can uncover the complex causes and social
dynamics behind the phenomenon. According to SAPS reports, South Africa has
seen a dramatic 260% increase in kidnappings over the past decade, with Gauteng
emerging as the epicentre (Nozulela, 2025). These alarming figures highlight the
need for in-depth exploration of the causes, structures, and lived experiences
surrounding such crimes.
This essay critically discusses the key characteristics of qualitative research and
its purpose in criminology, applying these insights to the express kidnapping case
study.
