Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - CRIM 320 D100

Quantitative Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 7043

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101; one of CRIM 120 or 220. CRIM 320 may be taken concurrently with CRIM 321.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination of the quantitative research methods and techniques most frequently used in criminological research. Advantages and shortcomings of each method and the appropriateness of each technique for criminological research. Problems of pure and applied research. Specific issues of interdisciplinary research. Critical evaluation of the quantitative methods used in certain major criminological studies. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

PLEASE NOTE:  Students who wish to receive duplicate credit for CRIM 320-5 taken prior to September 2002 must see the Criminology Academic Advisor, ASSC1 10125, prior to trying to enroll in this course.

Crim 320 builds on skills developed through Crim 220 and introductory statistics courses. Students will become familiar with the various quantitative approaches that are used in current criminological research, with an emphasis on analysis and interpretation. Students will hand-in assignments based on a selected dataset. While this is not a course in social statistics per se, students will be expected to apply a variety of statistical techniques, including: chi squares, t-tests, ANOVA, correlations and regression.  Lab periods will be devoted primarily to learning to code, analyze, interpret and represent data using SPSS.

Grading

  • Weekly quizzes 10%
  • Homework Assignments 25%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

There will also be an OPTIONAL grade-raising activity that students can participate in, to raise their grade up to a potential maximum of 2%.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1) Haan, Michael, & Jenny Godley. (2017). An Introduction to Statistics for Canadian Social Scientists, Third Edition. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 9780199020591.

2) Yockey, Ronald D. (2018). SPSS Demystified: A Simple Guide and Reference. Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-1138286283.

3) There may also be some supplementary readings, mostly available through Canvas.  You are responsible to download, photocopy, or borrow these readings. 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.

Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. 

Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course. 


ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (ASSC 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop-off box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax. 
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • E-mail policy for on campus courses only: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS