CRIJ 6334:
Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
I am so excited you are here!!
This site is your guide to Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis! Watch this short video about the class and why it is important!
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1) Explain how research helps us understand issues related to victimization
2) Describe common research methods through a victimization-focused lens
3) Develop research questions and corresponding methods to answer them
4) Present and share research findings
This is an Academic Community Engagement (ACE) course in which students will not only learn essential knowledge and skills, but also use them to make a difference. Students will dedicate approximately nine hours to the service-learning project.
Syllabus!
I know, many of us dread reading a long text-heavy document with a bunch of rules and policies. I promise (like most of my teaching) this syllabus is different from what you are probably used to! Below are links with information pertaining to the course content, what you need to complete the course, and expectations and resources.
This format might be a little overwhelming and different from what you are used to, so I also give you a brief one-page abbreviated syllabus with a summary.
CRIJ6334 Syllabus Fall 2023.pdfGetting Started
When does the course begin?
The course begins on August 21, but I recommend logging onto the course Blackboard as soon as you can!
How long is the class?
This is a semester-long course (about 15 weeks).
What do I need to complete the first week?
Module 1 in Blackboard. This includes setting up your e-portfolio and saying hello to your classmates.
What will I need to complete each week?
Each week has a corresponding module (i.e., Module 1 = Week 1). In each module, you'll have interactivities (videos, readings, activities) in Blackboard, a module reflection to be completed in your e-portfolio (then, submit the link in Blackboard), and discussion (in Blackboard).
In the final module(s), you'll submit your final assignments(s) and finalized e-portfolio.
Expect to spend about 3-4 hours each week on this course.
Achievement of the learning objectives will be measured through the following assignments/activities (click the links for more detail on each assignment):
E-Portfolio (550 points)
Discussions (125 points)
Smart Tank (325 points)
Total: 1,000 points
How do these assignments fit together?
Module reflections/e-portfolio - You learn key concepts and skills as the foundation
Discussions - Discussions help practice skills you learn and get feedback! They also help us build community and get to know one another.
Smart Tank - You work alone or on a team of your choice to create a hypothetical study proposal (how you would research a topic if you could). You will not be collecting any data because IRB takes too long and it would be a lot! You'll submit an article summaries ad comparison worksheet, and methodology worksheet, and give a short presentation, or pitch, of your proposed study. You'll also watch the other presentations and rank them. You will do an assessment of yourself and your teammates (if applicable). Please email me if you have formed a team! I will create a special discussion board for you in case you'd like to use it.
When are assignments/discussions due each week?
All assignments are best by Wednesdays 11:59pm.
Here is a broad schedule of activities. Click here to make a copy and check items off as you complete them!
Are there live (online or in-person) sessions?
I will offer optional Zoom sessions throughout the term. I am also happy to meet with students and teams by appointment!
Is there a required textbook? Yes, BUT you can get through the class without it.
Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice
by Bachman, Ronet D. / Schutt, Russell K.
Edition:
5TH 21
ISBN10:
1544374054
ISBN 13:
9781544374055
I personally build all the material for the course myself based on the most current research and resources. All reading material besides the textbook will be available in our Blackboard course (open access). All links are located in the associated modules on Blackboard.