Criminal Justice Research Methodology Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Justice Methodology - Research Paper Example The academic literature in the field of criminology is devoting increasing attention to the factors that cause women to engage in criminal behavior. Some researchers have discovered that the behavioral patterns appear to differ between female and male offenders (Block et al, 2010). Others have observed that alternative research and assessment strategies need to be applied to female offenders to gain a better understanding of deviant behavior in women and to obtain more reliable data on crimes committed by women (Traqina and Sorensen, 2009). In order to assess the proportion of non-violent crimes reported in Minneapolis, Minnesota the following hypotheses will be tested: This study will utilize both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in an effort to gain a better understanding of the relationship between age and gender and the reporting of non-violent crimes. The case study approach is a useful qualitative tool and helps to limit the scope of the project to a size that is manageable. A content analysis of the local news section of Minneapolis Star-Tribune newspaper for the years 2005-2009 will assist in identifying non-violent crimes reported by the major print media. This will help determine if there appears to be a bias related to gender or age in the crimes that actually make it into print. Quantitative data from the University of Minnesota for 2005-2009 will show all reported incidences of non-violent crime in Minneapolis categorized by gender and age. The mean and standard deviation for the number of non-violent crimes by gender and age will be calculated and compared. A cross tabulation will be constructed and the Pearson Chi Square will be used to determine statistical significance. The findings from the Minneapolis case study will be compared to other studies reported in the academic literature. This is useful in helping to