CMY3708
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 16 March 2026
Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research: An Application to the
Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is an approach that is used when a researcher wants to understand
social problems from the perspective of the people who experience or deal with them. It is
especially useful in criminology, where crime is shaped by complex social, economic and
cultural factors. In the case of the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, seven
people were killed in a shooting that police believe is linked to extortion activities. This
type of crime cannot be understood only through statistics. It requires an in depth
understanding of how extortion operates, who is involved, how detectives investigate it,
and how communities experience it.
As part of a qualitative study with detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes
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.
, Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research: An Application to the
Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is an approach that is used when a researcher wants to
understand social problems from the perspective of the people who experience or
deal with them. It is especially useful in criminology, where crime is shaped by
complex social, economic and cultural factors. In the case of the Marikana informal
settlement in Philippi East, seven people were killed in a shooting that police believe
is linked to extortion activities. This type of crime cannot be understood only through
statistics. It requires an in depth understanding of how extortion operates, who is
involved, how detectives investigate it, and how communities experience it.
As part of a qualitative study with detectives from the provincial serious and violent
crimes unit, the focus would not only be on how many cases exist, but on the
meaning, patterns and processes behind extortion in that community. This essay
critically discusses the characteristics and purpose of qualitative research, using the
Marikana extortion case as a practical example.
2. Definition of key concepts
Qualitative research
Qualitative research refers to an approach that explores social phenomena through
the collection and analysis of non numerical data such as interviews, observations
and documents (Creswell 2014; Babbie 2016). It seeks to understand experiences,
meanings and processes from the perspective of participants (Corbin 2015).
Extortion
Extortion is a crime where a person unlawfully obtains money, property or advantage
from another person through threats, intimidation or coercion. In informal
settlements, extortion often takes the form of protection payments demanded from
residents or business owners.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 16 March 2026
Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research: An Application to the
Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is an approach that is used when a researcher wants to understand
social problems from the perspective of the people who experience or deal with them. It is
especially useful in criminology, where crime is shaped by complex social, economic and
cultural factors. In the case of the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, seven
people were killed in a shooting that police believe is linked to extortion activities. This
type of crime cannot be understood only through statistics. It requires an in depth
understanding of how extortion operates, who is involved, how detectives investigate it,
and how communities experience it.
As part of a qualitative study with detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes
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.
, Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative Research: An Application to the
Marikana Extortion Case Study
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is an approach that is used when a researcher wants to
understand social problems from the perspective of the people who experience or
deal with them. It is especially useful in criminology, where crime is shaped by
complex social, economic and cultural factors. In the case of the Marikana informal
settlement in Philippi East, seven people were killed in a shooting that police believe
is linked to extortion activities. This type of crime cannot be understood only through
statistics. It requires an in depth understanding of how extortion operates, who is
involved, how detectives investigate it, and how communities experience it.
As part of a qualitative study with detectives from the provincial serious and violent
crimes unit, the focus would not only be on how many cases exist, but on the
meaning, patterns and processes behind extortion in that community. This essay
critically discusses the characteristics and purpose of qualitative research, using the
Marikana extortion case as a practical example.
2. Definition of key concepts
Qualitative research
Qualitative research refers to an approach that explores social phenomena through
the collection and analysis of non numerical data such as interviews, observations
and documents (Creswell 2014; Babbie 2016). It seeks to understand experiences,
meanings and processes from the perspective of participants (Corbin 2015).
Extortion
Extortion is a crime where a person unlawfully obtains money, property or advantage
from another person through threats, intimidation or coercion. In informal
settlements, extortion often takes the form of protection payments demanded from
residents or business owners.
