The Process of Research for Criminal Justice and Criminology

The Process of Social Research in Criminal Justice and Criminology is designed with the undergraduate student and novice researcher in mind. By exploring topics in a conversational tone, illustrating concepts through easy-to-grasp examples, and providing research examples that are relevant to students’ lives, the text draws in students’ attention and supports their understanding of challenging material. The inclusion of criminal justice-specific information and examples in this adaptation of Dixon et al.’s The Process of Social Research, along with detailed application exercises, ensures that this text helps students understand the value research skills, both in their studies and future careers.

Dr. Riane Bolin’s current research interests include a variety of issues related to juvenile justice and
delinquency, including juvenile corrections, delinquency prevention, drug use, and victimization. Dr.
Bolin has been working on projects in a number of different research areas. Her work with Dr. Pate on
undergraduate substance use has led to two publications; one with former undergraduate student
Jenna McClintock exploring the impact of substance use among college students was published in The
Social Science Journal and another examining the impact of strain on non-medical prescription drug use
was accepted for publication in the Journal of Drug Issues. Additionally, she had an article entitled,
?Drug use and abuse as primary motivators for male and female involvement in burglary: A comparison
of self-reported differences among a random sample of male and female burglars? published in
the Journal of Drug Issues. Dr. Bolin also has had two publications recently accepted for publication
in The Journal of Crime and Justice and Corrections: Policy, Practice, and Research. Dr. Bolin’s current
projects involve the professional orientation of probation and parole officers as well as public opinion of
blended sentencing.
Dr. Margaret Pate has several distinct areas of research. One of Dr. Pate’s research interests include the
decision-making process that begins with the apprehension of a suspect all the way to conviction for the
various actors in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, attorneys, and jurors,
specifically decisions about evidence and perceptions of guilt. Dr. Pate also conducts research on various
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teaching practices and the influence of these practices on student engagement and academic
performance. Finally, Dr. Pate is also interested in issues of substance use among undergraduate
students, including both the causes and consequences of such use. Dr. Pate has also recently published
articles in each of her research areas, in journals such as Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of
Criminal Justice Education, and The Social Science Journal.