Research Methods In Criminology
- Social Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 215 pages
- 19 units
This course introduces postgraduate students to research methods in criminology. It covers the nature, procedure, and report writing involved in conducting research within the field. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise necessary for identifying social problems, reviewing literature, stating research problems, and formulating objectives, questions, and hypotheses. It also provides guidance on choosing research methods, data collection, data analysis, and generating policy-relevant recommendations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 312 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study, problem solving, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic knowledge of sociology and criminology
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS831, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS831 · UNIT 1 THE AIM OF CRIMINOLOGY.
Assignment file consists of all the details of the assignments you are required to submit to your tutor for marking. The marks obtained for these assignments will count towards the final mark you obtain for this course. More information on the assignments can be found in the assignment file.
What you should be able to do
- Identify social problems in criminology
- Review literature and select a research topic
- Formulate research objectives, questions, and hypotheses
- Choose appropriate research methods
- Collect and analyze data
- Generate policy-relevant recommendations
What it prepares you for
- Criminologist
- Research Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Law Enforcement
- Social Worker
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Social Services
- Government Agencies
- Research Institutions
- SPSS
- Excel
- NVivo
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 5: Theories in Criminology
Unit 1: Nature of Theory
Requires understanding of abstract theoretical concepts and their application to real-world scenarios.
- Module 6: Data Analysis
Unit 2: Quantitative Analysis
Involves complex statistical calculations and interpretation of results.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 64 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Criminality and Science
Unit 1: The Aim of Criminology · 4 hours
Understand the scientific approach to knowledge in criminology.. Differentiate between scientific and traditional knowledge.. Identify the aim of criminology..
Unit 2: Variables, Topics and Introduction · 4 hours
Define variables and their types.. Learn how to select a research topic.. Understand how to introduce a research problem and its background..
Unit 3: Formulating Objectives and Hypotheses · 4 hours
Learn how to state a research problem.. Formulate research aims, objectives, questions, and hypotheses.. Understand the characteristics of a good hypothesis..
- Week 2Module 1: Criminality and Science
Unit 4: Introduction and Review of Literature · 4 hours
Understand the relevance and scope of a study.. Define key concepts.. Review conceptual, empirical, and theoretical literature..
- Week 3Module 2: Study Design
Unit 1: Understanding Study Design · 4 hours
Understand the meaning of study design.. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative designs.. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each design..
- Week 4Module 2: Study Design
Unit 2: Qualitative Designs · 4 hours
Explore mixed method designs.. Understand historical research, content analysis, and case study methods..
- Week 5Module 2: Study Design
Unit 3: Ethics in Research · 4 hours
Understand ethics in research.. Identify ethical issues and principles such as respect, beneficence, and justice..
- Week 6Module 2: Study Design
Unit 4: Study Locale and Problems Encountered · 4 hours
Understand the importance of study locale.. Identify geographical, socio-political, and economic characteristics.. Address problems encountered during research..
- Week 7Module 3: Sampling and Data Collection
Unit 1: Population, Population Frame and Sample · 4 hours
Define population, population frame, and sample.. Understand how to choose a sample..
- Week 8Module 3: Sampling and Data Collection
Unit 2: Sampling Techniques · 4 hours
Understand random, systematic, stratified, cluster, and multi-stage sampling techniques..
- Week 9Module 3: Sampling and Data Collection
Unit 3: Non-Probability Sampling · 4 hours
Understand convenience, purposive, quota, and snowball sampling techniques..
- Week 10Module 3: Sampling and Data Collection
Unit 4: Sample Size Determinants · 4 hours
Learn how to determine sample size based on various factors..
- Week 11Module 4: Data for Research
Unit 1: Population and Sample · 4 hours
Understand primary and secondary data.. Learn how to construct a questionnaire.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the questionnaire method..
- Week 12Module 4: Data for Research
Unit 2: Interview Method · 4 hours
Understand the use of interview method.. Learn about focused interviews.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the interview method..
Unit 3: Observation · 4 hours
Understand participant and non-participant observation.. Learn how to record observations.. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the observation method..
- Week 13Module 4: Data for Research
Unit 4: FGD, Validity and Reliability · 4 hours
Understand focused group discussions.. Learn about data validity and reliability.. Understand the test-retest method..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking key theories from Module 5 to specific crime types.
- Practice formulating research questions and hypotheses based on different criminological theories.
- Review ethical guidelines from Unit 3 and apply them to hypothetical research scenarios.
- Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs (Module 2).
- Practice interpreting statistical outputs from Unit 2 in Module 6, focusing on chi-square and t-tests.
- Review examples of well-written research reports and pay attention to how findings are discussed and linked to previous literature.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS831 about?
This course introduces postgraduate students to research methods in criminology. It covers the nature, procedure, and report writing involved in conducting research within the field. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise necessary for identifying social problems, reviewing literature, stating research problems, and formulating objectives, questions, and hypotheses. It also provides guidance on choosing research methods, data collection, data analysis, and generating policy-relevant recommendations.
How many units does CSS831 have?
CSS831, Research Methods In Criminology, has 19 units across 5 modules, over 215 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS831?
CSS831 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS831 hard?
CSS831 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical, case study, problem solving and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CSS831 take to study?
About 312 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is CSS831 assessed?
CSS831 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting CSS831?
Basic knowledge of sociology and criminology
What can I do with CSS831?
Criminologist, Research Analyst, Policy Advisor, Law Enforcement and Social Worker.