Module: CRI7003-30 Criminological Research Design: Evaluation and Evidence-based Practice

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Rainer-Elk Anders

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.anders2@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

From ‘nothing works’ to ‘what works’ to ‘does it really work at all’? This module will give you an in-depth examination of the theoretical, political and policy contexts that underlie the growth of evaluation research in criminal justice since the 1980s. Practitioners in the field are familiar with the increasing demand for an evidence-base to support strategic and operational goals and practice. You will explore the development of evaluation and evidence-based practice and consider how they align with the political priorities of changing governments. You will also critically engage with alternative, critical and realist perspectives that question whether evaluation is the robust measure it is often claimed to be. In this module, you will enhance your understanding by interrogating actual evaluations conducted in your field or practice, or in a field that holds a particular interest. A key element of the module is organised around the practice of methods and doing advanced academic research, as well as the operationalisation of theoretical and methodological ideas in research practice and the interpretation of data and analysis. This module will also provide you with an understanding of international best practice in regard to evaluation and evidence-based practice in criminal justice.

2.Outline syllabus

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

● New public management and privatisation in criminal justice

● The constitution of evidence-based policy

● The conceptualisation and delivery of evidence-based practice

● Pure vs. applied research

● Evaluation methods and methodology

● Qualitative, qualitative and mixed methods in criminological research

● Processing analysis and interpretation of data

● Presentation of qualitative and quantitative research findings

● Critical perspectives of evidence-based practice

● Realistic evaluation

● Third sector and evidence-based practice

● International best practice

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module will be delivered through a combination of weekly classroom-based seminars or workshops, supplemented with interactive online learning tools.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Presentation (2500 words)
• % Weighting: 35%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Critique of an Existing Evaluation (4500 words)
• % Weighting: 65%