CMY3708
Qualitative Research in Criminology
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 271149
DUE DATE: 16 March 2026 at 15:00
TITLE PAGE
Title:
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative
Research: Application to the Marikana Extortion Case Study
Student Number: [Insert Your Student Number]
Submission Date: [Insert Date]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
, 1.Introduction
2.Definition of Key Concepts
3.Characteristics of Qualitative Research
3.1 Interpretivist Paradigm
3.2 Naturalistic and Contextual Inquiry
3.3 Use of Non-Numerical Data
3.4 Flexibility and Emergent Design
3.5 Researcher as Primary Instrument
4.Purpose of Qualitative Research in the Marikana Extortion Study
5.Conclusion
6.Reference List
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in criminology when researchers aim to
explore complex social problems in depth. Unlike quantitative research, which
concentrates on numerical data and statistical measurement, qualitative
research seeks to understand how individuals interpret and experience
particular social realities. Crimes such as extortion, especially within
vulnerable communities, cannot be fully understood through statistics alone.
They require detailed insight into lived experiences, social dynamics and
institutional responses.
In the Marikana informal settlement case, where a mass shooting is believed
to be connected to extortion activities, qualitative research is particularly
suitable. The study involves engaging detectives from the provincial serious
and violent crimes unit to explore the nature and scope of extortion in the area.
This assignment critically examines the key characteristics of qualitative
research, with specific focus on its purpose. The discussion applies these
characteristics directly to the Marikana case study to demonstrate how
qualitative research contributes to a deeper criminological understanding of
organised criminal activity.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
Qualitative Research in Criminology
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 271149
DUE DATE: 16 March 2026 at 15:00
TITLE PAGE
Title:
A Critical Discussion of the Characteristics and Purpose of Qualitative
Research: Application to the Marikana Extortion Case Study
Student Number: [Insert Your Student Number]
Submission Date: [Insert Date]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
, 1.Introduction
2.Definition of Key Concepts
3.Characteristics of Qualitative Research
3.1 Interpretivist Paradigm
3.2 Naturalistic and Contextual Inquiry
3.3 Use of Non-Numerical Data
3.4 Flexibility and Emergent Design
3.5 Researcher as Primary Instrument
4.Purpose of Qualitative Research in the Marikana Extortion Study
5.Conclusion
6.Reference List
1. Introduction
Qualitative research is widely used in criminology when researchers aim to
explore complex social problems in depth. Unlike quantitative research, which
concentrates on numerical data and statistical measurement, qualitative
research seeks to understand how individuals interpret and experience
particular social realities. Crimes such as extortion, especially within
vulnerable communities, cannot be fully understood through statistics alone.
They require detailed insight into lived experiences, social dynamics and
institutional responses.
In the Marikana informal settlement case, where a mass shooting is believed
to be connected to extortion activities, qualitative research is particularly
suitable. The study involves engaging detectives from the provincial serious
and violent crimes unit to explore the nature and scope of extortion in the area.
This assignment critically examines the key characteristics of qualitative
research, with specific focus on its purpose. The discussion applies these
characteristics directly to the Marikana case study to demonstrate how
qualitative research contributes to a deeper criminological understanding of
organised criminal activity.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
