Qualitative Content Analysis on the Emerging Field of Product Counterfeiting Research

• In Event: Emerging Areas in White-Collar Crime

Abstract

Product counterfeiting represents a growing health and safety threat with its increasing prevalence and product diversity. Yet, academic research on product counterfeiting has been limited in both quantity and quality. As a result, developing evidence-based anti-counterfeiting strategies to combat the problem is especially difficult. In order for scholars to effectively contribute to this establishing field of study, there is a pressing need to assess the current state of product counterfeiting research. Through a qualitative content analysis of existing product counterfeiting literature, the current study explores the epistemological evolution of product counterfeiting research and identifies areas where further scientific inquiries are needed. Building upon our summative content analysis, we examined 42 product counterfeiting articles published in criminology and criminal justice academic journals through 2014. We qualitatively analyzed the substantive content of each publication to pinpoint the prominent themes, industry-focus, data and methodological challenges and conclude with our assessment of the future direction of product counterfeiting research.

Authors

• Fiona Chan, Michigan State University

• Brandon A. Sullivan, Michigan State University

• Jeremy Wilson, Michigan State University