Module 1 Check Your Understanding 1

Running head: CHECK UNDERSTANDING 1

Module 1 Check Your Understanding

Andrew Uhlenkamp
Allied American University

Author Note
This paper was prepared for CRJ 499 Senior Capstone, Module 1 Check Your
Understanding taught by Professor Daniel Chauvin
.

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CRJ 499: Senior Capstone

Module 1 Check Your Understanding
Directions: Define each of the following terms in 3-5 sentences (each). Give specific examples
and be sure to properly cite your work using APA format.

1.

Crime analysis
Hagan describes the definition of crime analysis as systematic, analytic processes aimed

at providing practical information related to crime patterns. Crime analysis, then, appears to be
a method of using quantitative data taken from otherwise qualitative situations and utilizing it to
help observe trends in criminal behavior. While qualitative data is difficult to ever appropriately
quantify, taking the available quantifiable data can translate into surprisingly useful information.
Citing locations of criminal behavior enables investigators to determine the general area in which
a criminal or group of criminals might be operating. Investigating the times that the crimes are
reported to occur gives them another clue, and then more data can be compiled to give
investigators a more accurate picture of criminal activity. Using the data gathered from this
analysis, law enforcement organizations can more appropriately delegate resources to prevent
crime.
2.

Quantitative research
Quantitative means relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather

than its quality (Oxford Dictionaries, 2016). When the word is applied to research, it essentially
describes the type of information being processed. Rather than the qualities that are observed,
such as a color, sound, or texture, the data collected can all be broken down into a numerical

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value. This would include such values as time, distance, size, age, and other factors that are
measurable. When applied to criminology, quantitative research is able to be objectively
observed, without having to understand the implications of the information. Quantitative
research in itself, however, cannot accurately describe or fully imbue the scope of criminal
analysis.
3.

Qualitative research
In the text, qualitative research is described as using concepts that sensitize ideas and uses

terms to enhance ones understanding of the subject. As such, qualitative research can help one
understand and explain the reality of the subject matter at hand. Qualitative research describes
attributes and details that cannot be explained in numerical terms. It cannot, however, deliver the
scope of the subject as it can be explained in quantitative terms.
4.

Variables
Variables are values or concepts that take on different values of a quantitative nature, or they

can be operationalized and their qualitative natures applied to a theory. Variables are one of the
primary factors of the scientific method. Controlling the variables of a situation allows observers
to better understand the cause of any end result.
5.

Dependent variable
Part of the scientific method is utilizing the controls available to the situation, or experiment.

Dependent variables are variable parts of the equation that change or differ based on other factors
or circumstances. It is the measure of these dependent variables that helps to explain the validity
of a theory.

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6.

Independent variable
Independent variables differ from dependent variables, in that they remain the same

regardless of other factors. These variables are often the conditions on which a theory may be
based. Using these independent variables, an experiment can be manipulated or conditions can
be observed to better understand the cause and effect relationship.
7.

Theories
A theory is the educated guess put together based on the observed results in the interaction of

different variables. After reviewing the dependent variables based on the independent variables, a
theory can be deduced to predict what might happen under similar circumstances in the future.
Theories require that the same results be repeated in future observations under the same or
similar conditions in order to be considered accurate.
8.

Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a predicted result, based on known information and a set of variables. After

an experiment or an observation, a hypothesis becomes a theory, based on the results of the

experiment or observation. Another hypothesis may then proposed and tested to determine the
strength of the observations.
9.

Steps in research
The steps in research are simple, based upon the scientific method. First, based on the

researchers experience and education, a hypothesis will be proposed. Using available

conditions, this hypothesis will then be tested to the best abilities of the researcher. Ideally, all of
the conditions except the variable being tested will be stringently controlled, allowing for the

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isolation of the variable and the resulting conditions. Once results have been observed, the
hypothesis can be adjusted based on the experiment. After the same results have been observed
in repeated experiments, a strong theory can be formed.

References1.

Hagan, F.E. 2014. Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology, ninth edition.
Pearson Education, Inc.

2.

Oxford Dictionaries. 2016. Quantitative: Definition. Oxford Dictionaries. Taken from:

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/
quantitative?q=Quantitative