Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CRIM 863 G100

Research Methods IV: Advanced Quantitative Methods (3)

Class Number: 3009

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 861, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of advanced statistical techniques in criminological research. Specific topics may include: limited (e.g., categorical, ordinal, and count) dependent variables, multi-level modeling, longitudinal data techniques, spatial data analysis, missing values analysis, and propensity score matching. Attention will be given to the decisions involved in data exploration and preparation for statistical modeling purposes using the appropriate statistical software. There is an emphasis on conceptual foundations and application. A strong background in regression-based techniques is assumed.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will discuss various issues that a) present challenges for standard statistical techniques, and b) are usually not covered intermediate quantitative methods courses such as CRIM 861, including (but not necessarily limited to):

  • Limited dependent variables
  • Multilevel data
  • Fixed and random effects
  • Complex models that have both manifest and latent variables
  • Longitudinal analyses

The course will also introduce analytic techniques for addressing these issues, including:

  • Logit, probit, Poisson, and negative binomial models
  • Multilevel modeling (including how to model longitudinal data with HLMs)
  • Fixed and random effects models
  • Structural equation modeling
  • Segmented regression

There will also be a seminar dedicated to meta-analysis, with guest speaker Dr. Helmus. Dr. Andresen may provide a seminar on spatial regression. We may also incorporate analytic techniques for trying to assess causality with observational data, such as interrupted time series models and propensity score matching.

Note: I am happy to receive suggestions about topics that students would like to explore. I can’t guarantee I’ll follow the suggestions, but it can never hurt to ask.

Seminars will explain the theoretical and/or conceptual foundations for the techniques (for example, why we need specific limited techniques for limited dependent variables or when do we need to use multilevel modeling); demonstrate how to conduct the analyses; show how to interpret the results; and discuss how to effectively communicate the results produced by these techniques.

Course Structure
This course is structured as a traditional in-class seminar. The first part of each lecture will cover the theory, while the second will be more hands on. We will be doing actual analyses during the seminars. I will provide data for in-class analyses.

Grading

  • Weekly (or Mostly Weekly) Assignments 40%
  • Presentation (on the Research Paper) 20%
  • Research Paper (variable due date) 40%

NOTES:

There are no attendance or participation marks for this course.

REQUIREMENTS:

Software
All analyses will be conducted in Stata, and only Stata. The School of Criminology has 10 site licenses in the graduate lab, so students will not need to incur addition software costs (although students are welcome to purchase a short-term student version).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings will involve some combination of Garson Blue Books, Sage Green Books, book chapters, videos, and whatever else I think will help you without being cost prohibitive.

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.