The Scientific Process

Criminologists and social scientists research the causes of criminal behavior and strive for causality but settle for probability. (Causality meaning x, the independent variable, causes y, the dependent variable, every time. EX: Eating healthy causes one to have a longer life. However, we know that this may not be true because of genetics, being murdered, and countless other factors that could occur.)

What is research?
Research is done by anybody who puts forth effort to find answers to their questions; however, this research being 'scientific' requires more rigorous methods. Research is not just opinions or beliefs!

Characteristics of Good Research:
1. Research is systematic.
That is, research has rules of conduction
2. Research is scientific.

The scientific method uses methods that are logical and reduce the likelihood of error. Further, using this process enables researchers to test theories through hypothesis, observations, and empirical generalization.

There are different types of research.
1.) Pure research - fueled by a desire to understand; conducted by those concerned with advancing knowledge
2.) Applied research - focuses on a particular subject

Evidence-based practices
^ Proved by science (theory is not really a part of this yet though)

Quantitative versus Qualitative Research
In the most basic terms, quantitative research is information you can translate into numbers whereas qualitative research is maintained in text form.

2 ways to gain knowledge/ understand the world
1. experience/ our own observations
2. the agreement reality, that is, someone else telling us how the world operates; could be tradition (knowledge passed down) or authority (from "experts")

Subjective versus Objective
- subjective/subjectivity = personal bias
- objective/objectivity = biases aside

Empiricism
What is empirical?
Just because something is empirical does not mean it is true. For example, someone having a bad experience with a cop is empirical but this does not mean that all cops are bad. This experience is not generalizable and could be an outlier.

Problems/Errors with Observations
1.) Inaccurate observation
2.) Overgeneralization
3.) Selective observation - occurs when we look at only things that are in accordance with our preferences
4.) Illogical Reasoning
^ Science presumably addresses these issues however science, too, can be flawed because humans "do" science!

What is science?
Science is made up of THEORY (an explanation of why things happen the way they do) and EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE (data).

Questions to be able to answer:

What is the scientific method?

What are the weaknesses of the scientific method?

What is science?

What is "empirical evidence"?