Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The content of this unit is based on an assumption that students have a sound knowledge of research methodologies relevant to criminology and criminal justice. This includes: an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research paradigms; principles of sampling; and various methods of collecting data. This unit will build on that knowledge and provide students with an understanding of the techniques that can be used to collect, analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data. These skills are important for those working in criminal justice and related fields in order for them to not only understand research data but also to make sense of research results published in reports, journals and other publications.

Aims

The aims of this unit are threefold:

• to provide students with the skills to conduct basic analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data


• to teach students the processes that allow them to interpret and contextualise findings from both quantitative and qualitative data


• to provide students with the opportunity to practice skills of data collection, analysis and interpretation that will prepare students for entry into various criminal justice related fields focused on research and policy development.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Understand the purpose and process of basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.


2. Demonstrate an ability to collect, analyse and interpret data and report research findings.


3. Demonstrate the following generic attributes:

• the attitudinal skills of creative outlook


• the cognitive skills of research, problem solving, and IT literacy


• the communication skill of written communication


• the relational skills of being able to work independently and engage in self directed learning.

Content

Building on students' existing knowledge of research, this course will cover the following:

• The context of research in criminology and criminal justice


• Ethical research practice


• Types of research design


• Sampling techniques, purposes and problems


• Data collection techniques:

o Questionnaires and interviews
o Fieldwork and observations
o 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 external mode. The Students will be provided with a series of readings and other material, and work to be completed in a mode of self-directed study. To complete this work, students will be required to have an intertnet connection and Microsoft Office software (ie Microsoft Excel). Regular workshops will be run online using the collaboration software in Blackboard. These sessions will be recorded for those students who cannot participate. Students are encouraged to consult with the unit coordinator on campus (by appointment) or via email and telephone. Students can also work with other students in the class via online discussion forums and also by generating their own informal study groups.

Assessment

Assessment in this unit is designed to ensure students are capable of understanding and applying quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques and interpreting research findings. This may include reviewing literature and theory, developing a methodology, collecting data, analysing data, and outlining the results of the analysis in the form of a formal research report.Written feedback will be provided to students on their submitted assessment. Students are encouraged to seek further feedback from the unit coordinators should they require this. Generic feedback on each assessment item will be provided once marking and moderation of assessment is complete. This will be uploaded in the 'Feedback' section of the JSN172 Blackboard site.

Assessment name: Essay 1
Description: This first piece of assessment (4,000-4,500 words) will demonstrate the generic attributes of creative outlook, research, problem solving, IT literacy, work independently, engage in self directed learning, and written communication. Further detail of this assessment will be provided to students in the Unit Information and Study Guide available in week 1.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Essay 2
Description: This second piece of assessment (4,000-4,500 words) will demonstrate the generic attributes of creative outlook, research, problem solving, IT literacy, work independently, engage in self directed learning, and written communication. Further detail of this assessment will be provided to students in the Unit Information and Study Guide available in week 1.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

Textbook: Bartels, L. and Richards, K. (2011) Qualitative criminology: Stories from the field. Sydney: Hawkins Press.


Suggested reading:
Gray, David E. (2009). Doing Research in the Real World. 2nd ed, Sage.
Silverman, David. (2011). Interpreting Qualitative Data. 4th ed, Sage.

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