CRJU 385

CRJU 385: Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Prerequisite: CRJU 100, STAT 130 or STAT 200, junior standing, and declared major or minor in Criminal Justice or permission of the department.

Credit hours (3)
        
The course introduces students to social science research within the field of criminal justice. The course covers applied research skills, including both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The course also builds student skills in other research areas including, but not limited to, written and oral communication, basic data analysis, and statistical model applications.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.

 

Detailed Description of Course

1. Introduction to Research Practice and Ethics  
2. Conceptualization and Measurement Issues
3. Research Methodologies  
4. Sampling Techniques
5. Descriptive Statistics

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course is an introduction to the basic conduct of social research in criminal justice. Modern policy makers have come to rely upon research for direction, validation, and support in their decision-making processes. The student, as a future policymaker and professional, must be able to recognize both good and bad research, and apply this research to problems in the field. 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 apply and critique research in the discipline.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The student will be able to:

• differentiate the scientific method from less rigorous forms of human inquiry.
• evaluate and apply existing research.
• identify the criteria for establishing causality.
• introduce the elements of research design and established research methods.
• demonstrate knowledge of the function and use of statistics in the social sciences.
• demonstrate expertise in the use of technology to support descriptive statistical analyses.
  
  

Assessment Measures

Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course, including the ability to apply it to real life situations, may be measured using an array of assessment tools such as tests, applied exercises, formal and informal written assignments, oral presentations, and class discussion. Instructors of this course can choose among these assessment tools and may develop others if they deem it appropriate.

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

April, 21, 2017

June 20, 2015

March 01, 2021

April 23, 2025