APA 6th edition

AMU

CMRJ300 D003

01/21/16

It is true that different researchers use different types of research methods in carrying out their researches. One of those methods is the statistical analysis method. This research method develops a special methodology of research and processing of materials. It includes many steps which will lead to almost ultimate report (Walker & Maddan, 2012). It begins with mass statistical observations whereby the researcher is obliged to sometimes visit or make use of questionnaires sent evenly to collect the required data. It also includes grouping the information collected and getting the average values and indexes. The researcher can as well make a balance of graphics where he or she makes use of graphs to analyze data and other methods of statistical data analysis.

The most effective way to learn statistics is through the conceptual approach whose concepts are to simply the facts, then make the facts relevant through the use of real-life examples, which in this case will include giving a number of crimes and their responses then those facts are shared by many procedures and then related to one another to make comparisons. These comparisons help to make conclusions. Statistical analysis is useful in criminal justice because this is a sensitive area which needs reality and the steps used in this method leads to the ultimate truth (Vito, Blankenship, & Kunselman, 2008). It follows three common stages of work with statistical data namely:

Data collection; Data collection is important as it provides a basis for statistical generalizations, for a formulation of conclusions. This is a mass scientific organized observation by means of which the primary information about separate facts of a studied phenomenon is received. This is where as discussed earlier the researcher uses the methods of data collection like questionnaires given at random to various people and are supposed to fill. The people are to write not according to their views and opinions but as to how the matter occurred. If it is a bank robbery, they should describe the incident on how and when it happened without comparing it with what had happened before. Before the researcher records information from questionnaires, he or she should compare what the majority has and not from only one source.

A researcher can also make use of interviews to collect data primarily. This is where the researcher visits the area of incident and interviewing the people who could be present when the incident happened. This may be oral and is better as the researcher can draw conclusions easily. Notwithstanding the researcher may decide to use both methods of data collection to get the best general ideas, as comparisons will be many.

The second stage is grouping and summary. Here, grouping will involve bringing the collected data together and arranging them according to the responses of various informants. The researcher can decide to rate the informants into three or more groups and as he or she goes through their responses, he or she should record down where they belong. This will enable the researcher to get what majority is saying and thus will be able to make a rational conclusion. As well he or she may do a distribution of a set of the facts collected to uniform groups and sub-groups, a total calculation on each group or sub-group and later registration of the received results in form of statistical tables.

The third and last stage is processing and analysis. This part of statistical research is a bit complicated because it must involve the logic and rationalism of the researcher to analyze. It comprises the processing of data received at the report, then the interpretation for the purpose of drawing conclusions about a phenomenon studied by a researcher. In interpretation of the report the researcher can use various methods. One of those methods is making use of graphs. Here he or she draws graphs of the various groups and sub-groups and tries to compare which graph has the highest statistics as this may automatically be the near to correct information. However, the other data and graphs should not be ignored as they may prove important to the researcher later. They should be stored with maximum care.

As well the researcher can make use of visual aids where applicable. These should however not emerge from his or her imagination, or not even from the imagination of the persons who gave the primary data. In case the visual aids are used they should be thoroughly searched and proved because they may lead to arrest and even detention and imprisonment of the researchers. This is where he or she should be very sensitive, because some people may falsely accuse their enemies and can attach pictures and photos showing the people in question in an act of crime. As we discussed earlier, this area is so sensitive and needs to be handled in care. Thus in case of pictures and photos one needs enough prove from dependable sources or else one can exclude them altogether, as this has brought chaos in many occasions. They need evidence that is so tangible.

In addition in dealing with cases of crimes and criminals researchers are always advised to take care in drawing conclusions, why we said that it also needs the clear rationalism of one. If one jumps into conclusions, and end up giving false or irrelevant information it will mean trouble. This is the other importance of statistical analysis, because it involves step by step movement and once one is drawing conclusions, you find that the conclusions are totally based on the ultimate truth. Statistical analysis is also important as it gives information useful for future planning, as the data collected can help in prediction of what might happen in the near of far future, and this in turn will help the security managers to curb serious errors which could have occurred (Weisburd & Britt, 2013). Lastly, under processing and analyzing, the researcher should make sure to compare the conclusions made and the forecasts so as to draw hypotheses, and has to ensure that every single item in the research is recorded and safely kept for future reference.

References Vito, G. F., Blankenship, M. B., & Kunselman, J. C. (2008). Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice and Criminology: A User's Guide. Waveland Press, 2008. Walker, J. T., & Maddan, S. (2012). Statistics in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2012. Weisburd, D., & Britt, C. (2013). Statistics in Criminal Justice. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.