Which method is defined as a set of operations applied to understand the world around us?

The correct answer is science because it is fundamentally based on the systematic set of operations or methodologies that are employed to acquire knowledge and understanding about the natural world. This involves forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, gathering data, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence.

In the context of criminal justice, scientific methods are crucial because they provide a structured approach to understanding crime patterns, behaviors, and the effectiveness of various interventions. Through rigorous methodologies, researchers can control variables and establish relationships, leading to more reliable and valid results.

The other options do not fulfill this criterion. Ideology and religion often rely on belief systems and interpretations that may not involve empirical testing or objective observation. Common sense, while practical and sometimes valid, lacks the systematic rigor and structure intrinsic to scientific methodologies, making it less reliable when striving for comprehensive understanding and knowledge.