Research Paper on:
Reframing an Inquiry as a Qualitative Study and its Utility in Criminal Justice Research

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of proposed or implemented criminal justice policies. Quantitative research studies commonly look at before and after assessments of participation in these research studies and creates "snap shots" through statistical  analysis. The data created is quantified and static, and does not always reflect the many different variables that can influence the successes or failures of programs designed to reduce  recidivism. Qualitative research often reflects upon existing studies and integrates a contextualized view of the issues, variables, costs and relevant views of success vs. failure. Qualitative studies, then,  tend to be a more valuable method for predicting the outcomes of programs designed to reduce criminal behavior. Reframing: From Quantitative to Qualitative In order to shift  from quantitative to qualitative approaches when the impacts of programs designed to reduce negative behaviors in the criminal justice system, including recidivism, researchers must look at the theoretical background behind  these programs, including boot camp programs for youth and adult offenders. The data collected in existing studies can be integrated with existing theories, assessments of common statistical representations, and  overall views of variables influencing criminality. Qualitative and quantitative research methods represent two distinctly different ways of approaching research. The most significant difference between these two types  of research is that quantitative research designs depend on "quantities," on the use of statistic data that is collected, while qualitative research designs depend on the "qualities," on a comparative  assessment of trends, concepts or individuals. Because statistical representations are central to quantitative efforts, these methods are often considered to be more concrete and replicable, while qualitative methods are  viewed by researchers are more theoretical. In understanding the major differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods applied to criminal justice research, it is valuable to consider some of the