CMY3708
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number: 271149
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. Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number: 271149
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. Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
