Data Collection and Analysis in Criminology

Module Identifier: CRM2810
Module Title: Data Collection and Analysis in Criminology
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 2
Co-ordinator: Jen Phipps
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: CRM1810
Other Staff: Dr Kathy Hampson; Miss Akrive Roumpou

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Presentation: Students will be presenting on their dissertation topic choice and justifying the research paradigm and research methods that they have selected. 15 Minutes	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Written Report: - justifying the research paradigm and research methods they have selected for their dissertation. 3000 Words	100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research approaches, accurately identifying their key characteristics, data collection methods, types of analysis, strengths and appropriate application.
Develop an ethically responsible methodology for a theoretically grounded real-world criminological research question
Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct quantitative or qualitative data analysis through design and the safe collection of data
Critically review and interpret findings in relation to existing social science research, demonstrating a critical understanding of contemporary controversies in the field
Present (oral or poster) a critical overview of the methodological aspects of an independent research study highlighting any barriers to research.

Brief description

Building on the foundational training in criminological research design and strategy gained in CRM1810 Designing Criminological Research, this independent study module provides advanced training in criminological research design, development and analysis. Students with the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to design and execute their own independent research methodology choosing one of the available pathways:
• Quantitative methods (statistical analysis of crime data, surveys, experimental design etc.), OR
• Qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, case studies, discourse analysis etc.).
The module will largely be composed of pre-recorded lectures, assigned readings, prescribed activities, assessment guides and individual tutorial support. Students will work with their already allocated supervisor that will provide them with tailored help and guidance to develop their chosen area of research enquiry and execution of such.

Content

Part 1: Foundations for Criminology Inquiry
Module outline. Overview of quantitative vs qualitative approaches; Mixed-methods in criminology; Barriers to research in criminology
Part 2: Elective Pathways (Select One)
• Pathway A: Qualitative methods
Develop skills in range of qualitative approaches in criminology, such as interpretive analysis, interviewing and thematic coding.
• Pathway B: Quantitative methods (Weeks 3-10)
Develop skills in statistical reasoning, survey design and numerical data analysis.
Part 3: Criminological Research in Action
Disseminating criminological research (journals, books, blogs, podcasts, media)
Understanding criminology graduate skills and how they can be applied

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Critical and analytical thinking	Students will be required to critically reflect on the best approach to explore a specific research question(s) or specific area of enquiry, analysing the results accordingly.
Digital capability	Managing, storing and securing sensitive digital data and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Students on the Quants. pathway will be taught and expected to use statistical software to analyse data and run hypothesis tests. Students on the Qual. pathway will learn to organise large datasets, coding, categorising data and using software for theme identification.
Professional communication	Students will be expected to present their ideas via an oral presentation at an academic conference
Real world sense	The module is explicitly designed to give students an appreciation of a broad range of research skills, which they will be able to utilise for career purposes beyond the particular skills they require for their own individual research topics.
Subject Specific Skills	The subject specific skills here include the ability to correctly input data into software packages, run the necessary steps for the appropriate hypothesis test and interpret the results.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7