CRI-20020: Research Methods in Criminology

School of Sociology and Criminology

CRI-20020

Research Methods in Criminology

Co-ordinator:

Miss Samantha Weston Tel:34336

Teaching Team:

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

Law Single Honours (Level 2)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

None

Description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the logic and skills of social science research as applied to the study of crime and criminal justice. It aims to equip students with a critical appreciation of the range of strategies for research design, ethical guidelines, data collection and analysis in the conduct of social research. Within this overall context the course has three specific objectives: (i) To provide an introduction to the importance of both qualitative and quantitative research methods and the relationship between theory and methods in criminological research. (ii) To offer an introduction to the practicalities of thinking about and doing qualitative and quantitative criminological research. (iii) To enable students to use and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data for the purposes of criminological research. The philosophy underpinning the module is that research methods cannot be adequately, or interestingly, taught in the abstract and consequently the course will emphasise the practice of social research and its application to criminological issues.

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the logic and skills of social science research as applied to the study of crime and criminal justice. It aims to equip students with a critical appreciation of the range of strategies for research design, ethical guidelines, data collection and analysis in the conduct of social research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the relationship between theory, methodology and methods in criminological research will be achieved by assessments: 3
Analyse the history, logics and processes of quantitative and qualitative social science research in criminology will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Formulate research questions and identify appropriate research strategies to address them will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Assess the usefulness of computer software in collating, retrieving and analysing research data will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Identify and assess the ethical issues that may arise in relation to criminological research will be achieved by assessments: 3
Design a research project and undertake a range of basic research tasks making appropriate use of information technology will be achieved by assessments: 3
Plan and be aware of key issues in qualitative and quantitative interviewing will be achieved by assessments: 3

Study hours

11 x 2 hour seminars
22 hours seminar preparation
72 hours assessment preparation
34 hours private study

Description of Module Assessment

01: Research Design weighted 50%

Structured research design exercise
Structured research design exercise

02: Review weighted 50%

A methodological review of a recently published research article
A methodological review of a recently published research article

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.