428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

by StudyCorgi^®

Updated: Mar 12th, 2024

As you might already know, criminology is the study of crime. To be more precise, criminology studies crime as a social trend, including its origin, various manifestations, and its impact on society.

Criminology research influences how the police work, how society treats criminals, and how the community maintains law and order. In this article, you’ll find top criminology research topics for your inspiration. We’ll also look into the main criminology theories and research methods and explain the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

Table of Contents

🔝 Top-10 Criminology Research Topics
🔤 What Is Criminology?
🔎 Criminology Research Methods
📝 Research Topics for Assignments
🦹‍♂️ Crime Research Topics
🚔 Topics in Law Enforcement
🕵️ Criminal Investigation Topics
⚖️ Criminal Law Research Topics
🔒 Topics to Research in Crime Prevention
🧑‍⚖️ Criminal Justice Research Topics
🆚 Criminology Vs Criminal Justice
❓ Criminology Topics: FAQ
🔗 References

🔝 Top-10 Criminology Research Topics

Criminology as a science: criminology theories.
The importance of eyewitness evidence.
The issue of racial bias in the investigation.
Crime propaganda on social media.
The leading causes of college violence.
The benefits of private prisons.
The debate around gun control.
The analysis of power abuse among police officers.
Drunk driving and how to prevent it.
The importance of forensic psychology in the investigation.

🔤 What Is Criminology?

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, supported by the principles of sociology and other sciences, including economics, statistics, and psychology.

Criminologists study a variety of related areas, including:

Characteristics of people who commit crimes.
Reasons behind committing different crimes.
Impact of crime on individuals and communities.
Measures for preventing crimes.

Criminology Theories

Criminology theories have appeared as an attempt to answer the question, “What is criminal behavior, and what causes it?” The answer to this question affects how society responds to and prevents crime. Proposing new theories and testing existing ones is essential for criminologists to continue working toward understanding the causes of criminal behavior.

Let’s consider the most relevant criminology theories.

Theory	Major assumption
🧠 Rational choice theory	The theory states that an individual thinks through each action, deciding if the benefits of committing a crime would be worth the risks.
🏷️ Labeling theory	It claims that individuals behave according to the label attached to them by society. So, people become offenders when others call them offenders.
⚖️ Classical theory	This theory suggests that people want to get pleasure and avoid pain. So, crime can be deterred if the pain from the punishment outweighs the benefits of committing a crime.
🏫 Social learning theory	The theory assumes that people learn from those around them and base their morals on what they see. So, those living in environments where criminal behavior is encouraged are more likely to become criminals.
🏚️ Social disorganization theory	It suggests that criminal behavior occurs in communities that experience breakdowns, such as overpopulation or poverty.
😨 Strain theory	This theory states that individuals will turn to a life of crime when they experience stress or pressure, for example, because of a lack of money or the death of a loved one.

🔎 Research Methods Used in Criminology

There are many research methods used within criminology. Usually, they are divided into two groups: primary and secondary research methods.

Primary Research Methods in Criminology

Primary research in criminology is any type of research that you collect yourself rather than based on secondary sources, such as articles or books. Examples of primary research methods in criminology include the following:

Surveys and questionnaires. Survey research collects information from individuals through their responses to questions. It is considered one of the most widely used research tools in criminology.
Experiments. For experiments, researchers take large samples of people who might become or have already been involved in crimes as victims or offenders. Then, they divide these samples into two groups, each receiving a different treatment.
Interviews. An interview requires participants to answer a set of open-ended questions, often on sensitive topics, such as victimization or criminal behaviors. This method allows criminologists to gain more valuable insights into the research topic.
Focus groups. A focus group is a small number of demographically similar people gathered to discuss a particular crime-related topic. This method allows criminologists to analyze people’s views, attitudes, and perceptions concerning crime.
Observations. Observations involve a researcher studying groups or individuals in their natural setting without interfering. It is a common research method within the social learning theory.

This image shows primary research methods in criminology.

Secondary Criminology Research Methods

Secondary research methods use information that was collected by someone else so that you can analyze it and identify the trends. Here are the two leading types of secondary research in criminology:

Secondary analysis of data. A secondary analysis occurs when a researcher uses data collected by other researchers. You can obtain secondary data from surveys, official crime statistics, or official records.
Literature review. A literature review involves reading, analyzing, evaluating, and summarizing literature about a specific criminology topic. It helps scholars identify research gaps and problems that need to be addressed.

📝 Criminology Research Topics for Assignments

To write an outstanding research paper on criminology, choose a topic that will spark your interest. Below you’ll find excellent criminology topic ideas for college students.

Criminology Research Paper Topics

Criminology theory and its main elements.
Criminology discipline and theories.
American crime trends and criminological theories.
The significance of criminological studies in the US.
Criminology: legal rights afforded to the accused.
The impact of violence and crime on the tourism industry.
How did US crime rates change over the last 20 years?
Classical and positivist schools of criminology.
Should abortion be treated as a crime?
Official and unofficial instruments within the criminal investigation.
Criminology: femininity and the upsurge of ladettes.
Criminal rehabilitation programs and their significance.
Shoplifting and how to prevent it.
Emerging technologies in criminology.
The effects of illegal immigrants on crime rates.
Drug trafficking by organized crime groups.
Criminology and victimology: victim stereotypes in criminal justice.
Can genetics lead to crime?
The procedures of crime scene investigation.
Labeling theory and critical criminology: sociological research.
Hate crimes in modern society.
The phenomenon of white-collar crime and its causes.
How to prevent crimes in the workplace?
Criminology: the social control theory.
Stereotypes that surround serial killers and their crimes.
The comparison of organized crime in New York and Chicago.
Prevention strategies for small business crimes.
Criminology: four types of evidence.
Relations between crime, justice, and the media.

Criminology Research Proposal Topics

How to prevent intellectual property crimes in cyberspace?
Identity theft and cybercrime in modern society.
Contemporary theories in criminology.
The problem of racial profiling in the US.
How has criminology contributed to the study of terrorism?
Possible solutions to the issue of street harassment.
Postmodern criminology: the violence of the language.
Gender bias in the investigation: pink-collar criminals.
The phenomenon of digital terrorism and how to prevent it.
How do immigration services help fight against terrorism?
Green criminology: environmental harm in the Niger Delta.
How has marijuana legalization influenced crime rates?
Tools for collecting and analyzing crime evidence.
How does international law manage war crimes?
The due process: criminology.
What are victimless crimes?
The relation between crime rates and poverty.
National system for missing and unidentified persons.
Three case briefs in criminology.
The impact of mental illness on criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing crime rates.
The use of AI technology in crime prevention and investigation.
Sexual assault: criminology.
The role of media coverage in public perception of crime.
The impact of community policing on reducing crime rates.
The impact of mass shootings on gun control laws.
The impact of automation technology on criminology.

Criminology Thesis Topics

The role of juvenile justice in preventing future criminal behavior.
Feminism and criminology in the modern justice system.
The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing in the US.
Drug laws: fighting crime or fueling it?
Police brutality: a systemic problem in criminal justice.
Criminology: USA Patriot Act overview.
The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities.
How does organized crime affect the global economy?
The significance of DNA evidence for criminal investigations.
Use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology.
The ethics of plea bargaining in criminal cases.
Mental illness and criminal behavior: breaking the stigma.
The impact of social media on cyberbullying and harassment.
Robert Merton’s strain theory in criminology.
Causes and consequences of police corruption.
The role of restorative justice in repairing harm caused by crime.
The effectiveness of treatment programs in reducing drug-related crimes.
Hernando Washington case: criminology.
The negative effects of human trafficking on global communities.
The role of forensic science in crimes investigation.
The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
Integrity as a key value: criminology and war.
The relationship between poverty, education, and crime rates.
Cybercrime: the dark side of the digital age.
Hate crimes: motivations and impact on modern society.
Feminist perspectives’ contribution to criminology.
The impact of incarceration on families and communities.

Criminology Research Questions for Dissertation

Can criminal profiling accurately predict offender behavior?
How do hate crimes affect individuals and communities?
How were the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights influenced by the classical school of criminology?
What are the psychological effects of cyberbullying on victims?
What factors contribute to domestic violence, and how can it be prevented?
How have organized crime groups evolved over time?
How is statistics used in criminology and criminal justice?
Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
What motivates individuals to engage in white-collar crime?
What are the consequences of police corruption for society?
What is variance analysis in criminal justice and criminology?
How does drug addiction contribute to criminal behavior?
How does gender influence criminal behavior and justice outcomes?
What drives individuals to commit mass shootings?
What is the broken window theory in criminology?
What are the biggest challenges facing criminal justice reform efforts?
How do urban gangs perpetuate violence and criminal activity?
How do criminal law and procedures protect individual rights and liberties?
What is the impact of corporate fraud?
What challenges do individuals with mental health issues face in the criminal justice system?
How can society combat human trafficking and exploitation?
What measures can be taken to enhance cybersecurity and protect against cybercrime?
What is the aboriginal crisis from a criminology perspective?
How can victimology help us better understand the experience of crime victims?
What are effective crime prevention strategies for different types of crime?
What is legal insanity in criminology?
How does environmental crime impact communities and the environment?
How is the peace-making model applied in criminology?

🦹‍♂️ Crime Research Topics

A significant part of criminology research is dedicated to various types of crimes and their reasons. Consider our crime topic ideas that will spark instant interest in your readers:

The psychological impact of kidnapping on victims and their families.
The racialization of crime and cultural panic.
The ethical considerations surrounding ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
The effect of burglary on small businesses and their ability to recover.
The impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on homicide rates and patterns.
Shoplifting: a crime of convenience.
The effectiveness of different types of anti-theft devices in preventing motor vehicle theft.
The role of forensic science in investigating arson cases, including the use of accelerant detection dogs.
The concept of natural legal crime.
The psychological profiles of white-collar criminals and their motivations.
The psychological effects of burglary on victims and their sense of security.
The concept of juvenile crime.
The role of social media in facilitating and preventing kidnappings.
The use of forensic evidence in homicide investigations and the challenges of prosecuting homicide cases.
Sex crime recidivism rates.
Illegal immigrantion and its effects on crime.
The effectiveness of international efforts to combat money laundering.
The efficacy of community watch programs in reducing burglary rates.
The role of corporate culture in facilitating or preventing white-collar crime.
Crimes in America: the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks.
Technology in motor vehicle theft: GPS tracking and remote disabling systems.
Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Crime and criminals: general characteristics.
The ethical and moral implications of capital punishment as a response to homicide.
The effectiveness of fire prevention and education programs in reducing instances of arson.
US gun control measures and crime rates reduction.
The use of cryptocurrency in money laundering and illegal activities.
White-collar crime and the abuse of power in corporate and financial settings.
Cargo crimes and threats: government accountability office.
The rise of cyberstalking and its impact on victims’ mental health.
The effects of pollution on communities and the legal response to environmental crimes.
Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking as crimes.
The effects of society’s reaction to crime.
The use of technology in financial fraud schemes.
Crimes against property and their characteristics.
The intersection of racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans.
The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and wildlife.
Crime types and their harm to society.
The prevalence of domestic violence and the legal response to it.
The exploitation of child labor in the fashion industry.
Race and crime among minorities in the US.
The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
The psychological effects of hate crimes on victims and their communities.
How does local television news viewing relate to fear of crime?
The evolution of cybercrime and its most common types.
Parental responsibility for children’s crimes.
The sex crime: influence of childhood experiences.
Prostitution: a victimless crime.
Sociology and media representation of crime.
The profile of a crime victim.
A theory of gendered criminology: women’s crime.

🚔 Research Topics in Law Enforcement

Another exciting area within criminology to investigate is law enforcement and police jobs. Have a look at the list of burning and controversial topics we came up with:

The impact of community policing on crime rates and public trust.
Law enforcement: online crimes and social media.
Do body-worn cameras reduce police misconduct?
The effects of implicit bias on the police use of force.
Law enforcement cameras as an invasion of privacy.
The impact of police militarization on community relations.
Why is mental health training essential for police officers in crisis situations?
Law enforcement officers’ attitudes regarding body-worn cameras.
The role of police in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to traditional policing.
Organizational changes in law enforcement agencies.
The efficacy of police-community partnership in addressing gang violence.
The impact of police officer diversity on community relations and trust.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement in the US.
The role of police in addressing cybercrime and online harassment.
The effects of police body language and nonverbal cues on public perceptions.
Cumulative career traumatic stress in law enforcement.
Social media and its role in shaping public perceptions of police behavior.
The role of police discretion in enforcing drug laws and addressing addiction.
Mindfulness practice in law enforcement.
The effectiveness of hot spot policing in reducing crime rates.
Organizational culture in the police department.
Stress in law enforcement officers and available programs.
The role of police leadership in promoting ethical behavior and accountability.
The effectiveness of community-based justice programs for juvenile offenders.
Law enforcement in colonial America.
Police-community partnerships for addressing domestic violence.
The role of police in addressing human trafficking and exploitation.
Misrepresentation of law enforcement by media.
School safety and the police.
How does stress affect the performance of law enforcement officers?
The law enforcement: verbal communication as the best form of interaction.
The significance of federal and state law enforcement mechanisms.
The adverse effects of toxic leadership in quality law enforcement.
Balance between effective law enforcement and personal liberty.
The importance of discipline in public services.
The connection between police salary and rates of police brutality.
Role of police agencies in law enforcement.
Police investigative questioning and techniques.
The issue of corruption in law enforcement.
Significance of computer forensics to law enforcement.
Case study: police response to the Ningbo protest.
Police actions to stop school bullying.
Law enforcement position in society.
New technological advances within the police department.
Do law enforcement cameras violate privacy right?
Different types of evaluation designs in law enforcement.
Recognition of women’s right to work as police officers.
The effectiveness of foot and bike patrols of the streets.
Firearms types and usage in law enforcement.
The competencies of international law enforcement authorities.
Comparison of police brutality statistics for different genders.
Ethical theories in law enforcement practice.

🕵️ Criminal Investigation Research Topics

The criminal investigation process is another criminology area worth discussing in your research paper. Below you’ll find the most intriguing criminal investigation topics:

The history and evolution of criminal investigation techniques.
Crime scene investigation in media and real life.
The role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
How does technology impact modern criminal investigations?
The importance of preserving crime scenes and evidence.
Crime scene investigation effect in the justice system.
The ethics of interrogation techniques used in criminal investigations.
Eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.
The role of criminal profiling in solving crimes.
Organized business crime prosecution and investigation.
How does media coverage affect criminal investigations?
The use of informants in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating white-collar crimes.
Undercover police investigations in drug-related crimes.
The role of private investigators in criminal investigations.
The impact of false confessions on criminal investigations.
How is DNA evidence collected in criminal investigations?
Importance of toxicology in crime investigation.
The role of the FBI in national criminal investigations.
The use of undercover operations in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating organized crime.
Crime level investigation in the United States.
Witness protection programs in criminal investigations.
The impact of plea bargaining on criminal investigations.
Surveillance techniques in criminal investigations.
Investigating crime with age and mental illnesses factors.
How are cybercrimes investigated?
The role of international cooperation in criminal investigations.
How do racial biases influence criminal investigations?
Drug trafficking: investigation on Frank Lucas.
Polygraph tests in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating terrorism-related crimes.
Homicide investigations and forensic evidence.
The role of victim advocacy in criminal investigations.
Lie detector tests in criminal investigations.
The role of forensic psychology in the investigation.
The effects of community involvement on criminal investigations.
The problem of false accusations in criminal investigations.
Approaches in criminal investigation.
The use of forensic accounting in financial crime investigations.
How does the media shape public perception of criminal investigations?
Key rulings on the conduct of investigators at the scene of a fire.
The impact of political pressure on criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating human trafficking.
The Breonna Taylor case and criminal investigation.
The role of victim compensation in criminal investigations.
Behavioral analysis in criminal investigations.
Procedures within crime scene investigation.
Crime scene reconstruction in criminal investigations.

⚖️ Criminal Law Research Topics

Criminology goes hand-in-hand with legal studies. If you’re interested in both areas, you should definitely write a research paper on one of the criminal law research topics:

The evolution of criminal law in the US.
Criminal law: stolen valor.
The difference between criminal and civil law.
Human trafficking and criminal law.
Types of criminal offenses and the elements of crime.
International criminal law and measures.
The role of the burden of proof in criminal cases.
Criminal defenses and their validity.
The insanity defense in criminal law.
Actus reus in English criminal law.
The controversies around the death penalty.
Juvenile delinquency and criminal law.
Cybercrime and its legal implications.
Criminal law – is graffiti a crime or not?
Domestic violence and criminal law.
Hate crimes and their legal consequences.
Restitution for victims in criminal law.
Civil vs. criminal law and differences between them.
Forensic evidence and its admissibility in court.
Sexual assault and criminal law.
The rights of the accused in criminal cases.
Regulatory criminal laws in the criminal justice system.
Receiving immunity for testimony in a criminal law case.
The legal classification of criminal offenses.
Self-defense in criminal law cases.
How Canadian criminal law regulates deviant conduct.
Sentencing guidelines and their impact on society.
The use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
Eyewitness testimony and its reliability in court.
Fundamental aspects of Canadian criminal law.
The role of the media in criminal trials.
The impact of social inequality on criminal justice outcomes.
The future of criminal law and its impact on society.
Criminal law in India and access to justice.
International criminal law and its enforcement.
Extradition and its legal implications.
The impact of globalization on criminal law.
Juvenile vs. adult criminal law.
The importance of victim rights in criminal cases.
Restorative justice and its benefits for society.
Alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
Automatism as a defence in criminal law.
The role of defense attorneys in criminal trials.
The role of prosecutors in criminal trials.
The right to a public trial in a criminal law case.
Civil and criminal law penalties and differences.
Car searches in criminal investigations by law enforcement.

🔒 Criminology Topics for Research in Crime Prevention

Researching crime prevention allows you to learn more about the strategies for reducing criminal behavior. Have a look at our outstanding crime prevention topic ideas:

Understanding and explaining crime prevention.
Theories that explain criminal activities and criminology.
The effectiveness of community policing in preventing crime.
The benefits and drawbacks of crime prevention in the US.
How can education reduce crime rates?
Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation.
Technological innovations and their impact on crime prevention.
The importance of early childhood interventions in preventing criminal behavior.
The relationship between poverty and crime prevention strategies.
Youth crime prevention and needs assessment.
The use of restorative justice in reducing recidivism.
The effectiveness of gun control laws in preventing gun-related crimes.
The impact of social media on crime prevention and awareness.
Crime prevention program in Australia.
The use of CCTV cameras in preventing crime.
Evidence for crime prevention programs in developing countries.
The role of mental health services in preventing criminal behavior.
Crime prevention practices: overview.
The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing juvenile delinquency.
The use of environmental design in preventing crime by shaping space and behavior.
Victim support programs for lowering crime rates.
Situational and social crime prevention approaches.
The effectiveness of after-school programs in preventing juvenile offenses.
Techniques for preventing situational and social crime.
The impact of citizen participation in crime prevention.
Computer crime prevention measures.
The efficacy of community watch programs in preventing neighborhood crimes.
The use of community centers for preventing gang-related crimes.
The impact of sentencing policies on crime prevention.
Biometrics recognition and crime prevention.
The relationship between video game violence and youth crime.
Social media and cybercrime prevention.
The role of social workers in crime prevention.
Three-strikes law for preventing violent crimes.
Decreasing crime rates through education and medicine.
The use of animal-assisted therapy for reducing criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of aftercare programs in reducing recidivism.
Capital punishment as ineffective crime deterrence.
The main strategies for proactive crime prevention.
The impact of domestic violence prevention programs on crime rates.
The use of probation and parole in preventing criminal behavior.
Juvenile weapon crimes and strategies to address.
The role of faith-based organizations in crime prevention.
The use of diversion programs in juvenile crime prevention.
The distinctions between crime prevention and community safety.
Preventing crime victimization in international students.
The impact of agriculture and rural development on crime prevention.

🧑‍⚖️ Criminal Justice Research Topics

Criminal justice might be a challenging research topic, but it is worth the time and effort. Consider our unique topic ideas for your successful research:

The effectiveness of community policing.
The use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology.
Rehabilitation programs offered in prisons and their efficacy.
The importance of defense attorneys in the criminal justice system.
The code of ethics in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The significance of restorative justice programs.
The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Criminal justice process: felony criminal charge.
The role of judges in the criminal justice system.
Probation and parole in the criminal justice system.
Veterans in the criminal justice system.
The comparison of prison privatization in the US and UK.
The main issues women experience in the prison system.
US terrorism and criminal justice decision-making model.
The prison system in a democratic society.
The role of psychologists in the criminal justice system.
Transgender offenders in the criminal justice system.
The impact of private prisons on crime rates.
The effectiveness of victim compensation programs.
The successes and failures to reform punishment in the criminal justice system.
Community involvement in the criminal justice system.
The main challenges of long-term prisoner rehabilitation.
Technology application in criminal justice.
The role of victim-offender mediation in the criminal justice system.
Gender disparity in the criminal justice system.
Recidivism in criminal justice: the American prison system.
How does solitary confinement impact people in prisons?
Legal and ethical issues in international intervention.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system.
Do mandatory minimum sentences help or hurt?
The effects of prison on children of incarcerated individuals.
Psychopathy in the criminal justice system.
The importance of mental health professionals in the criminal justice system.
Techniques for influencing criminal justice system change.
Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system.
The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system.
The effectiveness of diversion programs for veterans.
False confessions in the US criminal justice system.
Racism in the criminal justice system of the US.
People with disabilities and criminal justice.
Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system.
Forensic psychology guidelines for criminal justice.
The impact of technology on jury selection.
Effective writing and criminal justice.
The effectiveness of mandatory drug testing for probationers and parolees.
The effect of wrongful executions on the criminal justice system.
Discontinuity of care in the criminal justice system.
The influence of media on criminal justice and community.
The impact of cybercrime on the global criminal justice system.
Criminal justice: coerced confessions.
The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
The effectiveness of diversion programs for people without housing.
Criminal justice system and the problem of racism.
What can be learned from the history of criminal courts?
Comparison between American and British legislative frameworks.
Criminal justice case: types of sentences, probation, and final decision.
The overview of the modern justice system.
The ethical issue of unwarranted arrests.
Civil liability in criminal justice.
The risk groups of juvenile recidivism.

🆚 Difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students often confuse criminology with criminal justice because both areas study crime and criminal behavior. Understanding their main differences is essential before conducting research in any of these areas.

Comparison criteria	Criminology	Criminal justice
Study focus	Criminology focuses on the “why” behind crimes and examines the sociological and psychological factors that make people break the law.	The primary focus of criminal justice is studying the justice system and how society responds to crime.
Approach to crime	Criminology investigates the motives behind crimes and examines methods that can prevent them.	Criminal justice reactively approaches crime. It aims at punishing people who commit crimes and bringing criminals to justice.
Career opportunities	With a criminology degree, you can get work in various fields. Some available jobs are criminologist, lawyer, private investigator, and forensic psychologist.	If you major in criminal justice, you can work in law enforcement. The list of job positions includes police officers, probation officers, detectives, and FBI agents.

❓ Criminology Topics: FAQ

Is Criminology a Science?

Criminology can be considered as a science because it uses the scientific method. The scientific method involves five steps: stating the problem, forming the hypothesis, collecting the data, interpreting these data, and drawing conclusions. Within criminology, scientists use standard research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.

What Does Criminology Study?

Criminology studies crime, including its causes, methods of prevention, and responses from law enforcement. It relies on other non-legal studies, such as sociology, psychology, and statistics, to examine the characteristics of people who commit crimes and the effects of criminality on individuals and society.

What Are the Principal Areas of Criminology Research?

Four significant criminology areas include:

The history of criminology. This area focuses on criminology founders and theories of crime and punishment development.
Theory of crime causation. This aspect explores if a criminal’s behavior is determined by their social environment.
Typologies of crime. This field describes different types of crimes and the reasons for committing them.
Crime prevention efforts. This area studies crime measures that can curb crimes before they occur.

What Are the Principal Types of Research Methods in Criminology?

Criminology uses quantitative (analyzing measurements and statistics) and qualitative (analyzing non-numerical data) research methods to gain valuable insights. The most common scientific methods in criminology are surveys, experiments, secondary data analysis, interviews, historical/comparative research, and ethnography.