Social Science Research Methods

• Topics

  • Introduction: The nature and process of social research
  • Formulating research questions; conceptualization and measurement
  • Sampling methods; research strategies
  • Experimental designs; ethics in criminal justice research
  • Surveys, structured interviews and questionnaires
  • Qualitative methods: ethnographic interviews, case studies and participant observation
  • Analyzing content: secondary data; content analysis and comparative analysis
  • Analyzing qualitative data; reporting research results
  • Evaluation research
  • Breaking down the quantitative-qualitative divide; mixed methods research
  • Breaking down the quantitative/qualitative divide and mixed-methods research

• Study resources

  • Instructional Methods

    • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
    • Online assignment submission
    • Podcasting/Leacture capture

  • Online Materials

    • Resources and Links
    • Printable format materials
    • Audio-Video streaming

Entry Requirements

You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:

• GRF-CCJ29-Statistics for Social Research

Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s)

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this unit:

• GRF-CCJ19-Doing Criminology

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject is designed to teach students the logic of research methodology in the social sciences. Students will learn how to articulate a researchable problem, formulate research hypotheses, logically determine what research methodology provides the best avenue to test these hypotheses, and carry out research. Students will also develop the necessary skills to analyse and write criminal justice policies.

• Invigilated Exam (30%)
• Research Project Proposal (30%)
• Research Project Design (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.