Units
Crime Research Methods
Unit code: JSB273
Contact hours: 3
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This subject builds upon research skills acquired in first year study and is thus intended to provide knowledge and skills in research design and methodology for use in the fields of criminal justice, justice administration and criminology. The aims of this unit are three-fold. First, to revisit issues central to the research process. Second, to introduce students to a variety of research design models, data collection techniques and data analyses. Third, to give students the practical skills in writing a research proposal, carrying out a research project and reporting the research results. This subject, offered as a compulsory primary major unit in both the Criminology and Policing primary majors and sets the foundation for research in the justice honours program.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
It is essential that students have a solid knowledge and understanding of research design, for working in professional research contexts (eg government, non-government and academic). Building upon research skills acquired in first year study, this unit provides knowledge and skills in research design and methodology for use in the fields of criminal justice, justice administration, criminology and policy.
Aims
This unit has three primary aims:
1. To introduce students to a variety of research design models and data collection and analysis techniques, as well as the basics of qualitative data analysis
2. To provide students with the tools to effectively and critically interpret research findings
3. To provide students with the practical skills to design and carry out a research project.
Objectives
On sucessful completion of this unit, you should be able to demonstrate the graduate capabilities in the following manner:
1. Knowledge
- Understand a range of research designs and methodologies and types of data collection techniques.
2. Ethics and Professionalism
- Understand and demonstrate the importance of the ethical practice of research, the limitations of data and the rationale underlying differing methodologies.
3. Higher Order Thinking and Research Skills
- Apply various research designs to the solution of research questions from both an academic and policy context.
- Demonstrate the ability to review research designs and different types of data
4. Communication, Collaboration and Independent Life Skills
- Demonstrate ability to present research design issues in writing using modern technology and media.
- Demonstrate independent and reflective learning.
Content
- The context of research in criminology and criminal justice
- Ethical research practice
- Types of research design
- Sampling techniques, purposes and problems
- Data collection techniques:
- Questionnaires and interviews
- Fieldwork and observations
- Documentary and secondary sources - Basics of data analysis
- Interpretation and reporting of research findings
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be taught in a blended mode, mixing face-to-face lectures/tutorials with online activities. External students will have access to 'face-to-face' sessions through the use of Blackboard Collaborate or recordings of lectures. Study Guides for both internal and external students will be available on-line.
Assessment
This unit provides an introduction to research design in criminology, criminal justice and related fields. Students will be provided with both knowledge of the basic principles involved designing and conducting research projects in both the governmental and academic work environments, as well as some introductory practical skills in qualitative analysis.Written feedback will be provided on submitted assessment.
Assessment name:
Research Report
Description:
A written research report (2,000 words) focusing on topics related to research planning and design.
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Research Report
Description:
A written research report (1,500 words) focusing on topics related to data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3 & 4
Weight:
35%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Examination
Description:
Online multiple choice quiz covering content from all weeks.
Relates to objectives:
1
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required reading
Gray, D. (2009) Doing research in the real world, Second edition. London: Sage.
Lecture notes, study guide and additional readings will be provided during the course of the semester.
Background reading
Babbie, E. (2013). The Practice of Social Research, 13th ed. Belmont (CA), Wadsworth.
Bartels, L. and Richards, K. (2011) Qualitative criminology: Stories from the field. Sydney: Hawkins Press.
Hagan, F. (2005). Essentials of Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Boston: Pearson.
Westmarland, L. (2011). Researching crime and justice: Tales from the field. London: Routledge.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 07-Nov-2012
