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• Marxism


  Focuses on class conflict between the bourgeoise and proletariat to underpin society and its structure
• Marxist theory of crime and deviance

  Crime and deviance is a result of an unequal distribution of wealth and resources in a capitalist society
• The bourgeoise


  Exploit the proletariat for their own benefit in order to maintain their ruling position
• The poor


  Take out their frustrations of their position in society through acts of crime and deviance
• Crimes of the proletariat

  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Assault
  • Other unlawful activities
• Crimes of the bourgeoise

  • Fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Corruption
• Crimes of the proletariat are often defined as blue-collared
• Crimes of the bourgeoise are associated with white-collar
• Research


  Allows us to interpret the world as time passes and we grow to be more curious about various aspects of the social world. It allows for a scientific approach to underpinning solutions as well as forecasting the future.
• Scientific knowledge


  Based on data which is collected through experiments and processes. It consists of theories and laws which set out to explain behaviour and phenomena and is therefore based on evidence. It is reliable and objective where it is known to be accurate. It allows for improved decision making about various issues in society.
• Common sense

  An individualistic approach to making sense of the world. It is one's natural ability to make good judgements and behave sensibly. It is subject to bias where everyone's common sense differs as it is based on rumour and assumptions.
• Example of common sense


  • Making sure a road is clear before you decide to cross thus keeping yourself from harm.
• Research process


  1. Decide what to investigate

  2. Review literature

  3. Form hypothesis

  4. Design study

  5. Collect data

  6. Examine data

  7. Reach conclusion

  8. Share findings
• Hypothesis


  The starting point where the researcher states what they expect the outcome of the research to be.
• Research design


  • Decide participants, sampling, equipment, variables, conditions and ethics. Choose experimental, non-experimental or quasi experimental study.
• Quantitative data

  Numerical data used to depict numbers, counts and frequencies. Derived from experimental laboratory research which generates this type of data through statistics.
• Descriptive statistics


  • Mean, median, mode and standard deviation which allow for interpretation of the tendency and variability of the data.
• Inferential statistics

  Allow a more advanced way to measure interferences or make forecasts about a population from a sample set of data. This includes use of a hypothesis, a proposition statement, used to determine something about a wider population. A P-Value is used for clarification of whether or not to reject the null hypothesis, which is the opposite of a hypothesis. A small p-value such as 0.05 is an indicator for strong evidence against the null hypothesis.
• Qualitative data

  Textual data which is used to depict qualities and characteristics. It allows researchers to delve deeper into their analysis using a non-experimental approach. It is also more subjective as the results will vary between each individual. It is a narrative based approach which seeks to find themes and patterns.
• Qualitative data collection

  Interviews, focus groups, observations and content analysis.
• Thematic analysis


  A method for analysing and reporting themes within a dataset. It is organised in a straightforward format where researchers can make sense of it by reading. It involves this information being put into a code which is later refined into a theme.
• Independent variable (IV)


  In experimental research, the variable that is altered to test its effect on something else.
• Dependent variable (DV)


  In experimental research, the variable that is directly measured or observed.
• Example of IV and DV

  • IV: 'hours spent studying', DV: 'test scores'
• Stanford Prison Experiment


  • Recruited 24 psychologically well males and assigned them to be 'guards' or 'prisoners' where they exerted authority and independence in their respective roles. The aim was to examine the effects of situational variables on participant behaviour.
• The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey is an annual survey which helps to determine the level and experience of crime in the country. It generates both qualitative and quantitative data; numerical and categorical data. It provides an insight into crime patterns, general public perceptions of crime and justice and law enforcement.
• Ethical guidelines in research

  • Confidentiality, protection of participants and right to withdraw giving participants a holistic shield from harm.