$.getJSON() Usage

$.getJSON() Usage

I'm trying to use the ".getJSON()" method for the first time and so far I'm not getting anything out of it. I know the callback function for it is supposed to be called when the call succeeds, but can I also code an error callback function for it, or instead of doing that should I just use the more general ajax method and then code callback functions for both success and error, and make the dataType JSON? Thanks for the help.