Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CRIM 220 D100

Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 3225

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the nature and purpose of social science research including ontology and epistemology of knowledge as applied to criminological issues;
  2. Explain the relationship between theory, variables, hypotheses and causality;
  3. 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;
  4. Explain and demonstrate understanding of the nature and implications of research design decisions (i.e., research questions, sampling, reliability, validity and generalizability);
  5. 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);
  6. Describe and explain the purpose and function of descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e., t-tests, chi-square, and correlation);
  7. Critically assess the differences and similarities between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches and describe the general strengths and weaknesses of each; and
  8. Demonstrate how to analyze and interpret data.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Tutorial Facilitation 15%
  • Mini Research Assignments 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Term Project 20%
  • Final Exam (during final exam period) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Maxfield, M. G., Babbie, E. R., & Schuck, A. M. (2025). Research methods for criminal justice and criminology (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  1. Additional resources and readings provided on Canvas.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.