Fall 2022 - CRIM 320 D200

Quantitative Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 2616

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2022
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.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:

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 (optional) will be devoted primarily to learning to code, analyze, interpret and represent data using SPSS.

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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Explain the nature and purpose of the quantitative research in the field of criminology.
  • Formulate hypotheses based on theoretical constructs to analyze the relationship between variables.
  • Recognize and critically evaluate ethical issues and considerations in quantitative criminological and interdisciplinary research and the role of ethics regulation (i.e., institutional research ethics boards) review processes.
  • Demonstrate competence in making decisions in quantitative research that impact hypotheses, sampling, reliability, validity and generalizability
  • Identify a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, when and how to apply them, and the general strengths and shortcomings of each (i.e., chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression).
  • Develop and apply necessary critical literacy skills to quantitative research articles.
  • Demonstrate how to analyze and interpret quantitative research findings.
  • Demonstrated ability to use statistical data analysis software (e.g., SPSS).

Grading

  • Weekly quizzes 10%
  • Homework Assignments 25%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Exam (in-person) 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) Yockey, Ronald D. (2018). SPSS Demystified: A Simple Guide and Reference. Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-1138286283.

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

3) SPSS statistical software program (available on many campus computers).

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


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