Criminal Justice 485
Research Methods in Criminal Justice

1. Catalog Entry

CRJU 485. Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Three hour lecture(3).

Prerequisites: CRJU 100 or CRJU 150; senior standing; STAT 200

CRJU 485 introduces students to social science research methodology involved in conducting original research. Research skills include qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Other skills will include, but are not limited to, oral communication, intensive writing, computer operations, and statistical model applications.

2. Detailed Description of Course Content

1. Introduction to theory construction and deconstruction

deductive v. inductive theory construction
idiographic and nomothetic models
the criterion of causality

2. Measurement issues

time
conceptualization and measurement
reliability, validity, accuracy and precision
using the computer

3. Research Methods

formal experimentation
quasi-experimentation
survey research
field research
unobtrusive research
evaluation research
using computer data bases

4. Statistics and sampling techniques

univariates, bivariates and multivariates
descriptive and inferential statistics
random sample selection
calculating sampling error
computer-based statistics programs

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course is an introduction to the basic issues involved in conducting social research. Modern policy makers have come to rely upon research for direction, validation, and support in their decision-making processes. The student, as a future policy-maker, must be able to recognize both good and bad research. In order to accomplish this, the student must comprehend the basic techniques of research methodology, appreciate the complexities of analyzing data, and possess sufficient writing and oral communication skills to critique social research.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate the scientific method from less rigorous forms of human inquiry.
2. Identify the components and modes of theory construction.
3. Identify the criteria for establishing causality.
4. Introduce the elements of research design and established research methods.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the function and use of statistics in the social sciences.
6. Demonstrate an adequate understanding of research methodology.
7. Have the ability to critique existing pieces of social research articles.
8. Apply the concepts learned in class to the practical scenarios and situations introduced in CRJU 495.
9. Demonstrated expertise in the use of computer-based word processing programs and the use of statistical packages.
10. Complete a position paper proposal.

5. Assessment Measures

1. Skill Assessment

(a) oral skills

in-class participation
class room presentations

(b) written skills

essay and short-answer questions
homework assignments
position paper proposal

(c) computer skills

word processing assignments
statistical data assignments

2. Knowledge assessment

(a) in class examinations
(b) quizzes
(c) computer assignments
(d) class participation
(e) research article critique
(f) student research project

6. Other Course Information

None.

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

Date Action Reviewed by
July 2005, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair