CMY3708
Assignment 1 Semester 1
Unique No: 271149
Due 16 March 2026
, Introduction
Qualitative research is concerned with understanding human experiences, meanings
and social processes within their natural settings. It does not aim to measure variables
statistically, but rather to explore how individuals interpret and make sense of their
realities (Creswell & Poth, 2018). In criminological and socio-legal contexts, this
approach is especially useful because crime is embedded in social, economic and
political environments.
By applying the example of the Marikana extortion case study in Marikana, this
discussion critically examines the key characteristics of qualitative research, with
particular attention to its purpose.
Purpose of Qualitative Research
The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the meanings
that individuals or groups attach to a social or human problem (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
It focuses on depth of understanding rather than numerical measurement or
generalisation.
In the Marikana extortion case study, the purpose of qualitative research would not
simply be to quantify how many extortion incidents occurred. Instead, it would aim to
understand:
• How extortion networks operate within the mining community
• Why certain individuals participate in extortion practices
• How victims experience intimidation and threats
• How socio-economic conditions sustain the practice
For example, qualitative interviews with mineworkers and informal traders could reveal
that some perpetrators view extortion as a survival strategy in a context of
unemployment and poverty, while victims may describe feelings of fear, helplessness
and distrust of authorities. In this way, qualitative research explains the “how” and “why”
Assignment 1 Semester 1
Unique No: 271149
Due 16 March 2026
, Introduction
Qualitative research is concerned with understanding human experiences, meanings
and social processes within their natural settings. It does not aim to measure variables
statistically, but rather to explore how individuals interpret and make sense of their
realities (Creswell & Poth, 2018). In criminological and socio-legal contexts, this
approach is especially useful because crime is embedded in social, economic and
political environments.
By applying the example of the Marikana extortion case study in Marikana, this
discussion critically examines the key characteristics of qualitative research, with
particular attention to its purpose.
Purpose of Qualitative Research
The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the meanings
that individuals or groups attach to a social or human problem (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
It focuses on depth of understanding rather than numerical measurement or
generalisation.
In the Marikana extortion case study, the purpose of qualitative research would not
simply be to quantify how many extortion incidents occurred. Instead, it would aim to
understand:
• How extortion networks operate within the mining community
• Why certain individuals participate in extortion practices
• How victims experience intimidation and threats
• How socio-economic conditions sustain the practice
For example, qualitative interviews with mineworkers and informal traders could reveal
that some perpetrators view extortion as a survival strategy in a context of
unemployment and poverty, while victims may describe feelings of fear, helplessness
and distrust of authorities. In this way, qualitative research explains the “how” and “why”
