A concise paperback based on Maxfield and Babbie's best-selling RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, this "basics" version combines accessibility and a conversational writing style with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice. In fewer than 400 pages, BASICS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, Fourth Edition, introduces students to the core of criminal justice research. It utilizes the most current, real data and features coverage of such key topics as ethics, causation, validity, field research, and research design, among others. The Fourth Edition includes expanded coverage of qualitative research and interviewing, focus groups in criminological research, and snowball sampling, as well as additional examples of student research. Balancing coverage of both qualitative and quantitative methods, the text is packed with real-world examples, practical applications, and Internet research exercises.