Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology

This article advocates for the integral role of qualitative research in criminology, emphasizing its capability to delve into the nuanced and complex experiences of outliers, such as criminals and victims, whose behaviors and experiences significantly deviate from societal norms. It argues that trad...

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Main Author: Nishani Ranaweera
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: CV. Literasi Indonesia 2024-03-01
Series:International Journal of Qualitative Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/ijqr/article/view/1346
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author Nishani Ranaweera
author_facet Nishani Ranaweera
author_sort Nishani Ranaweera
collection DOAJ
description This article advocates for the integral role of qualitative research in criminology, emphasizing its capability to delve into the nuanced and complex experiences of outliers, such as criminals and victims, whose behaviors and experiences significantly deviate from societal norms. It argues that traditional quantitative methods, while useful for identifying broad patterns and trends, often fall short in capturing the depth of human behavior and the intricacies of social problems. Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, ethnography, and case studies, are presented as essential tools for uncovering the motivations, emotions, and social contexts underlying criminal actions and the impact of crime. The article highlights the limitations of quantitative research in dealing with outliers and the dynamic nature of human behavior, underscoring the importance of qualitative approaches in providing a richer, more contextualized understanding of crime and victimization. Through a series of case studies and methodological discussions, it demonstrates how qualitative research enriches criminological inquiry, offering critical insights that are instrumental for theoretical advancement and the development of effective criminal justice policies. The conclusion calls for an integrated approach to criminological research that values the complementary strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, fostering a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of crime and its impacts on society.
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spelling doaj.art-49f20462b0704389b7f518aec15ee4542024-04-15T01:43:47ZengCV. Literasi IndonesiaInternational Journal of Qualitative Research2798-60472024-03-013331532510.47540/ijqr.v3i3.13461347Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in CriminologyNishani Ranaweera0University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri LankaThis article advocates for the integral role of qualitative research in criminology, emphasizing its capability to delve into the nuanced and complex experiences of outliers, such as criminals and victims, whose behaviors and experiences significantly deviate from societal norms. It argues that traditional quantitative methods, while useful for identifying broad patterns and trends, often fall short in capturing the depth of human behavior and the intricacies of social problems. Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, ethnography, and case studies, are presented as essential tools for uncovering the motivations, emotions, and social contexts underlying criminal actions and the impact of crime. The article highlights the limitations of quantitative research in dealing with outliers and the dynamic nature of human behavior, underscoring the importance of qualitative approaches in providing a richer, more contextualized understanding of crime and victimization. Through a series of case studies and methodological discussions, it demonstrates how qualitative research enriches criminological inquiry, offering critical insights that are instrumental for theoretical advancement and the development of effective criminal justice policies. The conclusion calls for an integrated approach to criminological research that values the complementary strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, fostering a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of crime and its impacts on society.https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/ijqr/article/view/1346criminologyethnographyhuman behaviorqualitative research methods
spellingShingle Nishani Ranaweera
Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
International Journal of Qualitative Research
criminology
ethnography
human behavior
qualitative research methods
title Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
title_full Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
title_fullStr Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
title_full_unstemmed Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
title_short Beyond Numbers: Embracing the Depth of Qualitative Research in Criminology
title_sort beyond numbers embracing the depth of qualitative research in criminology
topic criminology
ethnography
human behavior
qualitative research methods
url https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/ijqr/article/view/1346
work_keys_str_mv AT nishaniranaweera beyondnumbersembracingthedepthofqualitativeresearchincriminology