The chapter “Introduction to the Use of Statistics in Criminal Justice and Criminology” offers a detailed analysis of the common types of statistics tools that analysts can use to convey specific messages. Depending on the collected data, scholars can design or create charts and graphs depending on the identifiable characteristics. For instance, numbers in raw data will become meaningful when grouped to make frequencies. Rates are advanced tools for helping analysts interpret frequencies (Gau, 2018). Charts and graphs are essential since they revolve around the use of pictures instead of numbers. They engage the reader and make it easier for him or her to make the relevant interpretations.
The author succeeds in presenting several convincing arguments. First, researchers can rely on the use of charts and graphs to relay useful information to the reader. Second, the use of pictorial representation is appropriate since it increases the level of the reader’s engagement. Third, professionals who want to present and describe longitudinal data should do so using line graphs (Gau, 2018). Fourth, competent researchers can use bar graphs, pie charts, line charts, ad histograms to diversify their specific presentations. Fifth, the use of variety is evidence-based in nature and ensures that the reader remains engaged.
The studied chapter is interactive and informative. The reader observes that the author offers a detailed explanation of the major statistical tools and methods that could be applied in different studies. For instance, a study focusing on gender (dis)parity in incarceration could benefit from the use of pie charts and bar graphs. The calculation of frequencies and rates could be applied when focusing on the incidence of crime in a specific region (Gau, 2018). Additionally, studies entailing the collection of two or more variables would require the use of bar graphs. These examples explain why the chapter is informative and appropriate for students in the field of criminal justice.
Reference
Gau, J. M. (2018). Statistics for criminology and criminal justice (3rd ed.). Sage.