- Provide ONE example of how qualitative research could (or has) contribute(d) to our understanding of this
area of criminal justice. Be sure to cite a study if you are referring to how it has contributed and provide the full
reference listing at the bottom of the page (in alphabetical order by first author's last name).
Example:
Policing
One study that demonstrates the important of qualitative research is Giwa et. al (2014) and their narrative
analysis of police-youth dialogue. In this study, the researchers observed an open 3.5 hour dialogue between
fifteen youths of color and nine police officers at a community health center. "The two main questions that were
asked were: What goes wrong in the relationship between police and youth of color, and why? And what would
the police and youth of color do differently in a relationship of trust?" (p. 224). The immediate findings of the
dialogue showed that both the police and youth agreed that what was occurring in policing is not what they
would prefer. Both police officers and youth claimed they wanted to be treated with respect and solve more
crimes, but differed on how they approached it. Youths wanted respect, consideration, and treated equally, and
requested police to be less guarded. Police on the other hand focus on safety above all else. It is clear that
there is a disconnect between what youths and police want, and how they can achieve the goals. This study
provides a very strong foundation for understanding the mismatch in perceptions of a community. This dialogue
is a good example of how qualitative research can be used to determine what specifically the community
desires, and what gaps exist that prevent them from being executed. Qualitative research is important in this
case, and many others involving policing. Trust is a major component of policing and understanding how to
achieve this is vital. Both the public and law enforcement has different ideas on how to achieve this and only
through exploring the perspectives and narratives from everyone involved can we find an effective approach
Sample Solution