Studying Desistance From Crime: Where Quantitative Meets Qualitative Methods

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter argues that qualitative and quantitative data are equally useful in the scientific enterprise that is criminology. Both types of data can, and should be, used to test theoretical claims deductively. Both types of data can and should be used to generate insight inductively into the types of theories that might be useful in the first place. Neither type of data is inherently better than the other, and analysts that specialize in one type of research should not act as if they are engaged in a separate and distinct exercise from those who specialize in the other. Ideally, both types of data can be used to test the theoretical implications generated by theory in the same analytical work. But, it is a mistake if qualitative data are used simply to highlight insights generated by the quantitative data. It would be equally problematic if quantitative data were used simply to support, rather than test, the findings from qualitative data.