Exploratory Research And Crime Investigation

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There are four purposes of research: exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, and application (evaluation and policy analysis). Exploratory research investigates a problem and attempts to understand it in a preliminary manner (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Descriptive research outlines or describes the extent of the problem (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Explanatory research attempts to analyze the cause of the problem (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Application research explores or evaluates whether a specific program or policy is operational or working to resolve the problem (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009).
Exploratory research provides “why” the research is being conducted. For example, the task force can use exploratory research to identify the areas …show more content…

For example, the task force can use data to count the number of crimes that occurred in each area of the city, this will determine which areas in the city have the highest crime rates. Descriptive research provides accurate and precise observations and focuses on establishing a preliminary understanding (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). For example, the task force can set up surveillance to observe and describe what crimes were observed in various areas throughout the city to determine which areas have the highest crime rates. Descriptive research focuses on counting and documenting observations (Maxfield & Babbie, …show more content…

Explanatory research describes and examines the causes and reasons of the problem (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). For example, the task force can use explanatory research to explain why high crime rates exist in certain areas in the city. Explanatory research explains why a change in the problem occurred (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Explanatory research explains why the problem exist (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Overall, explanatory research attempts to explain causation (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009).
Application research focuses on the need to discover specific facts and findings (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). Application research evaluates the effectiveness of a policy or program and determines whether or not the policy or program is functioning as planned (Maxfield & Babbie, 2009). For example, once the Chief of Police identifies which areas have the highest crime rates and implement a policy to address the issues, application research can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy. The two major types of application research: evaluation research and policy analysis (Maxfield & Babbie,

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