Module Information

Module Identifier
CR12130
Module Title
Criminology Research Skills 1
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 7 x 2 Hour Lectures
Practical 2 x 2 Hour Practicals
Lecture 8 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 1 x 2 Hour Seminar
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Critique  - A critique of an example of a specific research method either qualitative or quantitative (1000 word essay)  34%
Semester Assessment Interpretation of data  - An exercise involving the interpretation of a table of statistical data (1000 words)  33%
Semester Assessment Report (Interviewing)  - A report on an exercise in qualitative interviewing (1000 word essay)  33%
Supplementary Assessment Critique  - A critique of an example of a specific research method either qualitative or quantitative (1000 word essay) - if element failed  34%
Supplementary Assessment Interpretation of data  - An exercise involving the interpretation of a table of statistical data (1000 words) - if element failed  33%
Supplementary Assessment Report (Interviewing)  - A report on an exercise in qualitative interviewing (1000 word essay) - if element failed  33%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Understand some basic statistical concepts and techniques (e.g. measures of central tendency, correlation)
2. Conduct a qualitative interview
3. Construct a survey questionnaire
4. Appreciate the general strengths and limitations associated with quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis in criminological settings
5. Read and critically assess empirical criminological research studies
6. Recognise the limitations of empirical data and how quantitative and qualitative data can be misused

Brief description

Students are introduced to some fundamental principles of research design, data handling and interpretation embracing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. There are opportunities for students to actively engage in the research process, developing observation skills and undertaking one-to-one interviewing.

Content

Topics covered will include:
  • Sample survey research
  • Questionnaire design
  • Qualitative interviewing
  • Basic quantitative methods

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Many criminological research studies are based on analyses of quantitative data. One third of the module is devoted to developing an understanding of basic statistical techniques and quantitative research methods
Communication Oral communication will be encouraged in both seminars and workshops. As much of this module concerns acquisition of communication skills (e.g. the qualitative interviewing exercise) interactive learning is particularly important and oral participation is a central aspect of this and will therefore be strongly encouraged. It will also feature in group work and the workshop sessions. Written communication will be developed through the writing of different types of assignments to test the acquisition of key skills
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will have ample opportunity to test this in both seminars and workshops. The ability to test and reflect on leaning is essential to successful personal research and to the assessment of other people's research methodologies and designs
Information Technology Students will need to be able to conduct effective library and web searches. They will be introduced to electronic ways of keeping and analysing data
Personal Development and Career planning Interviewing skills, working in groups and time management
Problem solving The whole ethos of the module revolves around problem solving. It is what social science research is centrally about and therefore the module will be heavily concerned with encouraging and nurturing this skill
Research skills The module will introduce students to key subject specific and practical research skills
Subject Specific Skills
Team work The workshops and practical classes will involve students working in pairs and small groups to design a research instrument and conduct face-to-face interviews. Reflecting on their experiences will form an element of the assessment

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4