This article discusses the use of quantitative research methods in criminology and criminal justice, focusing on the selection of variables and addressing potential confounders. It examines various terms related to this process and provides an overview of experimental studies in the field. Additionally, it explores the role of intimacy in criminal law and the lack of experimental research in criminology. The use of randomized experiments is highlighted as being ideal for addressing causal questions in quantitative criminology. The focus on crime and demographic variables as predictors and the most commonly used methods in this field are also discussed. The article concludes by acknowledging the ongoing discussion and efforts to address potential problems in this research area, such as issues with dependent variables.