Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CRIM 220 D100

Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 2463

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2022
    Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Any 100 division CRIM course is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to criminological research that is intended to develop the student's research and analytical skills. Specifically, the course will focus on the theory of inquiry, the logic, and structure of criminological inquiry, research design, data gathering, analysis and reporting. Students with credit for CRIM 120 may not take CRIM 220 for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore the use and application of different research methods in the context of criminological scholarship. The course is intended to introduce students to the basic principles of methods as well as help them to apply such methods to understanding real-world problems. Topics will include the theory and practice of social science research, research design, research ethics, sampling techniques, data analysis, and the relevance of research for public policy. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to actively engage with the material in applied environments in order to enhance their comprehension of the material and sharpen their analytical skills. For example, students will participate in discussions, respond to questions, and evaluate popular media’s claims about research studies. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from researchers using the methods discussed in the course as part of a series of presentations from guest speakers. Course comprehension will be measured via multiple methods of assessment, including exams, papers, and tutorial participation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Identify and describe the nature and purpose of the social science research including ontology and epistemology of knowledge as applied to criminological issues.
• Explain the relationship between theory, variables, hypotheses and causality.
• Recognize and critically evaluate ethical issues and considerations in criminological research and the application of ethics policy (i.e., TCPS2) and the role of ethics regulation (i.e., institutional research ethics boards) review processes.
• Explain and demonstrate understanding of the nature and implications of research design decisions (i.e., research questions, sampling, reliability, validity and generalizability).
• Describe the strengths and weaknesses of different data gathering techniques (i.e., surveys, experimentation, quasi-experimentation, case studies, interviews, focus groups, observation, unobtrusive and archival methods, Internet-based research techniques).
• Describe and explain the purpose and function of descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e., t-tests, chi-square, and correlation).
• Critically assess the differences and similarities between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches and describe the general strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Demonstrate how to analyze and interpret data.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Term Paper 35%
  • Tutorial Participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Schulenberg, J. L. (2016). The Dynamics of Criminological Research. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Additional assigned readings will be available for download via the course website.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 Center for Accessible Learning, (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 (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security).  For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5.  The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly.  The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors).  The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
  • 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 they will receive a grade of N. 
  • 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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