Interrogating the Meaning of “Rigorous” Research: How Qualitative Methods Are Essential to Criminological Understandings

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Recent discourse on “Academic Twitter” has placed focus on the conventions and value of qualitative methods in examining race/ethnicity and formal social control. Inspired by this discourse as well as the work of Zuberi and Bonilla-Silva (White Logic, White Methods, 2008), the Panelists will critically interrogate the orthodox meanings of research “rigor” in our discipline. The Panelists will also consider how qualitative methodologies are crucial to meaningful examinations of marginalized groups’ encounters and experiences with all phases and agents of the criminal legal system, and exchange perspectives on encouraging broader and well-informed use of qualitative methodologies in scholarship on race/ethnicity and justice.

Sub Unit

• Area XI. Methodology / 81. Advances in Qualitative Methods

Individual Presentations

• The Role of Qualitative Methods in Understanding Race, Ethnicity, and Justice in Criminology - Jason M. Williams, Montclair State University

• Unveiling Marginalized Voices: Qualitative Research on Race/Ethnicity and the Criminal Legal System - Miltonette Olivia Craig, Sam Houston State University

• Navigating Reviewer Feedback: Strategies for Qualitative Scholars in Criminology and Criminal Justice - Deena A. Isom, University of South Carolina; Jessica M. Grosholz, University of South Florida

Chair

• Miltonette Olivia Craig, Sam Houston State University

Discussant

• Kwan-Lamar Blount-Hill, Arizona State University