Book excerpt: Reflecting the trend away from comprehensive hardback books toward briefer, paperbacks, BASICS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY, International Edition combines accessibility and a conversational writing style with Michael G. Maxfield's expertise in criminology and criminal justice in a concise, streamlined paperback. In fewer than 400 pages, this popular book introduces you to the core of criminal justice research using the most current, real data available. Reflecting the latest developments from the field, it features coverage of such key issues as ethics, causation, validity, field research, research design, and more. The Third Edition also includes expanded coverage of web-based research and how to access and utilize new CJ data sets. Balancing coverage of both qualitative and quantitative methods, the text is packed with real-world examples, practical applications, and Internet research exercises.