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Data Analysis Methods in Criminology

Crimes are individualized events that violate the law. Criminology is the scientific study of individual and societal criminal behavior. Quantitative data and research has traditionally been used in criminology, such as numbers of crimes, numbers of criminals and numbers of crime sites. Qualitative data is also used in criminology -- data gathered from alternative sources other than police reports, to get more in-depth information about circumstances of crimes, locations, criminal tendencies and how to predict and prevent crimes.

  1. Quantitative Data Analysis

    • Uniform police reports consist of raw data and have traditionally been the best source of crime statistics. Quantitative data analysis compiles statistics from police records of criminals and crimes committed, and numbers are analyzed for increases or decreases in crimes. The numbers of crimes committed, the times of year and times of day they are committed, and the types of people committing them are all compiled, reported and used to budget and allocate resources.

    Qualitative Data Analysis

    • Criminologists and sociologists gather and use alternative data-gathering methods to gain deeper insight into crime data than what is available from the uniform crime reports. Such methods are qualitative data analysis and include victim surveys, self-report surveys, preparing life histories and case studies of incarcerated criminals, physical trace analysis and observation. Victims are questioned after crimes take place to get more detailed information than is available in police reports about criminal behavior and activity. The general population and/or criminals are asked questions about their involvement in criminal activity under conditions of anonymity. Incarcerated criminals are studied and asked details about their lives and the crimes they've committed. Physical crime scenes are studied for information about how the crimes were committed, what was used in the commission and other vital information. Observation of criminals and high crime areas is undertaken to gain information criminals and criminal activity. The data gathered is compiled into categories and statistics for deeper insight into criminal behavior and activity.

    Meta-Data Analysis

    • Meta-data analysis uses the findings or data from multiple sources, rather than just one or one type, to study a criminal issue. Statistics and in-depth information are used in meta-analysis to test hypotheses and explain theories. Meta-analysis is performed by advanced criminologists and sociologists.

    Why Study Criminal Data

    • Criminologists study data about crimes, victims and criminals to understand criminals and criminal circumstances better. This information helps police departments prepare and train police forces, understand antisocial and psychopathic behavior and individuals and improve criminal legislation to protect law-abiding citizens.

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