Abstract
As with all professions, there is always related terminology to learn that is almost like another language. Academic research is no stranger to the use of terminology that confounds many new (and sometimes seasoned) social science researchers. In this chapter, we seek to demystify some of those terminologies, with simplified definitions and relatable understandings. Taking the reading neatly through the basic concepts and processes required in the design of any study, the chapter discusses the different methodologies and associated methods, their benefits and limitations and their consideration in relation to the best outcome for the topic being studied. It provides a summary of rationale as to the need for a well-planned study and how that might be accomplished given the limitations of the serving police officers who are undertaking it. Very much like the robust case file presented to the CPS, the chapter highlights how the skills used to produce any investigation can be drawn upon to build a defensible study, that has rigour and stands up to the scrutiny of others.
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Eason, A., Clegg, V. (2023). Research Methodologies: Research Who?. In: Eason, A. (eds) A Police Officer’s Guide to Academic Research . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19286-9_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19286-9_4
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