Courses / Module

Toggle Print

Module RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY

Module code: LW696
Credits: 10
Semester: 1
Department: LAW
International: No
Overview Overview
 

Module Objectives:
1. Introduce students to the theoretical and practical concepts that underpin quantitative and qualitative research methods.
2. Provide students with the skills required to prepare a research proposal, design a research project, select and/or develop data collection tools, analyse results, and report findings.
3. Familiarise students with ethics protocols and promote the importance of ethical research practice.

Module Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology I
• The scientific method and the philosophy of scientific
• Core research principles
• Developing a research question/hypothesis
• Samples and populations
Week 2: Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology II
• Sampling & Recruitment
• Research Designs
• Applied research ethics
• Research proposal preparation
Week 3: Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• Principles of quantitative methods
• Quantitative tools (selection & development)
• Scoring tools
• Strengths and weaknesses
Week 4: Introduction to Statistics
• Levels of Measurement
• Probability Theory and Normal Distribution
• Sample Power
• The null hypothesis
Week 5: Introduction to SPSS (Computer Lab)
• Building a database
• Data entry and coding
• Data representation: tables, graphs, plots)
• Data Organisation: Split file, Select cases
• Measures of central tendency
Week 6: Applied Statistics I (Computer Lab)
• T-tests
• Chi-Square Test of Independence
Week 7: Applied Statistics II (Computer Lab)
• Simple Logistic Regression
Week 8: Revision & Open Book Lab Quiz (Computer Lab)
• Revision
• Reporting results
• Open Book SPSS Assessment
Week 9: Introduction to Qualitative Methods I
• Principles of qualitative methods,
• Interviews, focus groups, diaries, photovoice.
• Ethnographic observation
• Measure development, strengths and weaknesses.
Week 10: Introduction to Qualitative Methods II
• Tool development
• Interacting with participants and research etiquette
• Recording data
• Strengths and weaknesses
Week 10: Analysing Qualitative Data (Computer Lab)
• Qualitative analysis: Thematic analysis, Grounded Theory
• Introduction to MAXQDA/En Vivo
Week 11: Reporting Qualitative Data & Lab Quiz (Computer Lab)
• Reporting Qualitative Results
• Open book practical application of thematic analysis coding and reporting
Week 12: Mixed-Method Research Designs & Revision
• Adopting a pragmatic research approach
• Mixed-method designs
• Strength and weaknesses
• Module revision

Open Teaching & Learning methods
 
Open Assessment
 
Open Autumn Supplementals/Resits
 
Open Additional Reading
 
Open Timetable
 
Back to top Powered by MDAL Framework © 2022
V5.3.3 - Powered by MDAL Framework © 2022