CRM 1300 Lecture : 3. Criminology Patterns & Crime Statistics .docx
Document Summary
Patterns of criminology and methods of gathering crime statistics. Criminological knowledge is based on science a logical organized method of obtaining information through direct, systematic observation. Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, info that is directly verifiable. A research method is a strategy for systematically conducting research. Concepts are mental constructs that represent some part of the world, inevitable in a simplified form. Variables are concepts whose value changes from case to case. Operationalizing a variable is the process of developing the measure to be used in gauging a variable. Measurement requires reliability the quality of consistent measurement and validity the quality of measuring precisely what one intends to measure. Cause and effect is a relationship in which change in one variable causes change in another. Correlation exists when two or more variables are related in some way. Human behaviour is too complex to allow criminology to predict and individuals actions precisely.