Qualitative research is fundamentally distinct from its quantitative counterpart. While quantitative research methods rely upon the conversion of observable phenomena into numeric data, qualitative analyses do not necessitate such a transformation of data points. Qualitative analysis offers a discriminating researcher a very nuanced approach to examining many specific social phenomena and is enjoying a resurgence among researchers.

After reading Chapters 7 and 9 of Creswell’s Research Design, identify the key tenets of qualitative methods used in criminal justice research.

What do you see as the most critical aspects of qualitative research methods?
How do these key tenets of qualitative research assist us when evaluating criminal justice data?
How do these key tenets contribute to successfully interpreting published research findings?
How would you apply these tenets to answer a criminal justice research question?