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 seek 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, qualitative
research is particularly valuable because crime is embedded in social, economic, and
political environments.
By applying the example of the Marikana extortion case study, this discussion critically
examines the characteristics of qualitative research, with particular emphasis on its
purpose.
Purpose of Qualitative Research
The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the meanings
individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem (Creswell & Poth, 2018). It
aims to generate in-depth insight rather than numerical generalisations.
In the context of the Marikana extortion case study, the purpose of qualitative research
would not simply be to count the number of extortion incidents. Instead, it would seek to
understand:
• How extortion networks operate within the mining community • Why individuals
participate in extortion • How victims experience and interpret the threats • The broader
socio-economic conditions that enable extortion
For example, researchers might explore how unemployment, labour tensions, historical
grievances, and distrust of authorities contribute to the emergence of extortion
practices. The goal is to uncover underlying meanings and social dynamics, not merely
patterns of occurrence.
Qualitative research is therefore interpretive in nature. It seeks to explain the “why” and
“how” behind social phenomena (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018).
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 seek 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, qualitative
research is particularly valuable because crime is embedded in social, economic, and
political environments.
By applying the example of the Marikana extortion case study, this discussion critically
examines the characteristics of qualitative research, with particular emphasis on its
purpose.
Purpose of Qualitative Research
The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the meanings
individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem (Creswell & Poth, 2018). It
aims to generate in-depth insight rather than numerical generalisations.
In the context of the Marikana extortion case study, the purpose of qualitative research
would not simply be to count the number of extortion incidents. Instead, it would seek to
understand:
• How extortion networks operate within the mining community • Why individuals
participate in extortion • How victims experience and interpret the threats • The broader
socio-economic conditions that enable extortion
For example, researchers might explore how unemployment, labour tensions, historical
grievances, and distrust of authorities contribute to the emergence of extortion
practices. The goal is to uncover underlying meanings and social dynamics, not merely
patterns of occurrence.
Qualitative research is therefore interpretive in nature. It seeks to explain the “why” and
“how” behind social phenomena (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018).
