Research In Practice For Forensic Professionals (Pb 2011) Paperback

"Applied Research Methods in Forensic Settings" serves as a comprehensive practical guide for both forensic professionals and researchers navigating the unique environments of prisons, probation services, courts, and forensic mental health facilities. It offers a detailed 'how-to' approach to conducting research in these specialized settings. The book equips practitioners and researchers with a solid understanding of practical techniques relevant to applied forensic research. This includes a thorough grounding in the research process and a broad overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in this field. It critically examines the potential problems, challenges, and ethical dilemmas that can arise, offering strategies for effective management. Particular emphasis is placed on empirical research involving forensic populations and within forensic settings, including conducting research with vulnerable groups (such as offenders and individuals with mental illness in secure environments), evaluating treatment programs, and the uses and limitations of randomized controlled trials. The book is logically organized, with each chapter dedicated to a specific methodology. These chapters detail the background of the approach, the types of research questions it can address, design principles and considerations, suitable analysis techniques, the method's strengths and weaknesses, future trends, and additional resources. Through the inclusion of case studies and illustrative examples from experienced forensic researchers and practitioners, the book addresses the real-world challenges typically encountered in applied research. "Applied Research Methods in Forensic Settings" is an indispensable, all-in-one resource for practitioners (including psychologists, nurses, medical staff, prison and probation officers, social workers, and occupational therapists) who are interested in research and in evaluating their own work and the services within their organizations. It will also be a valuable resource for students in applied research fields such as forensic psychology or applied criminology, as well as for educators in these areas.