Using Student Samples in Criminological Research

Abstract

Professors have long relied on the assistance of their students in various aspects of the research process. For example, students often contribute in their role as research assistants and as co‐authors on scholarly papers and presentations. They also participate in another important way—as samples in their professors’ research projects. In criminology and criminal justice, student samples are often used in behavioral studies, tests of criminological theories, pilot tests of methodologies, and in evaluating attitudes toward crime and justice issues. This article provides an overview of the types of studies that have used students as samples in criminological research. Attention is given to the strengths and weaknesses of using such an approach, and implications for continuing to use students in criminological research are discussed.