Course Outline
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
Course Coordinator:Peter Innes (pinnes@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society
2024Semester 2
Online |
Online | You can do this course without coming onto campus. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
Criminology and justice is research-driven. So, having knowledge and skills to undertake crime research is valuable. This course exposes you to the complexities of contemporary crime research methods and provides practical skills to undertake crime-related research projects from conception to a full report. You will be trained in qualitative and quantitative methods using contemporary data analytic software (SPSS and NVIVO), engage with spatial mapping (GIS) and learn how to perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis, interpret and communicate the findings and their implications.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Online | |||
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial/workshop | 3hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Course Topics
- Foundations of Crime-Related Research
- Theoretical and Applied Implications of Crime Research
- Conducting a Literature Review (Identifying a Topic, Purpose and Research Question)
- Conceptualisation, Operationalisation, Variables and Measurement (Reliability and Validity; Trustworthiness)
- Sampling and Ethics
- Quasi-experimental and Experimental Crime Research
- Research using Qualitative Data (and Analysis)
- Research using Quantitative Methods and Analysis
- Secondary Data, spatial mapping (GIS), and Evaluation
What level is this course?
300 Level (Graduate)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | |
| 1 | Critically evaluate and synthesise literature relevant to a research topic. |
Creative and critical thinker Ethical |
| 2 | Describe and explain key philosophical, theoretical and ethical perspectives underpinning crime-related research. |
Knowledgeable Ethical |
| 3 | Demonstrate sound knowledge and practical application of qualitative and quantitative research methods. | Empowered |
| 4 | Demonstrate sound capacity to interpret and communicate research findings and their implications. |
Empowered Engaged |
| 5 | Apply scholarly writing, research and reference practice. | Ethical |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
Enrolled in AR325, AR363, AR396, AR364, or AB316 and successfully completed 96 units with a minimum cumulative program GPA of 5. Permission is required for enrolment. Please contact the Course Coordinator.
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Not applicable
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
Formative tasks are built into workshop activities during weeks 1 - 4 to prepare you for assessment task 1. Once submitted, you will also be given feedback on assessment task 1 to improve your literature review in preparation for the final research report.
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Literature Review (or component) | Individual | 20% | 1000 words |
Week 5 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 35% | 2 hours |
Week 13 | In Class |
| All | 3 | Report | Individual | 45% | 2500-3000 words |
Refer to Format | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Draft literature review | |
| Goal: | The goal of this assessment task is to allow you to prepare a structured introductory literature review to be included in your final research report. |
| Product: | Literature Review (or component) |
| Format: | This task requires you to produce a 1000-word literature review that critically evaluates and synthesises the theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the structure and content of the research topic; is structured according to further resources provided by your course coordinator, and provides aligned research questions, research aims and objectives. Elements required in this Task submission will be provided to students by your course coordinator. This review should be written according to APA Style. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 2:In-class exam | |
| Goal: | The exam will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the course material covered during weeks 1-12. |
| Product: | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled |
| Format: | This task will be undertaken, under supervision, during the workshop in week 13. You will be required to answer a combination of multiple choice and short-answer questions. You will have 2 hours to complete this task. |
| Criteria: |
|
| All - Assessment Task 3:Research Report | |
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to complete a research report that builds on the task 1 literature review, a clear methodology and accurately presents, interprets and communicates research findings, including their implications, according to the structure provided by your course coordinator. |
| Product: | Report |
| Format: | Submit: Friday, First Week of the examination period A 2500-3000 word written research report. You will be actively working under supervision on the quantitative/qualitative analysis for this assessment task. The report will build on the (not included) Task 1 submission adding: - accurate and effective written and graphical presentation of findings (structured as required by data types) - a discussion section, structured as required by data types, that interprets the findings and their implications with respect to the research question(s), and provides any methodological limitations. |
| Criteria: |
|
Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Callie Marie Rennison,Timothy C. Hart | 2018 | Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology | n/a | SAGE Publications, Incorporated |
| Recommended | Frank E. Hagan | 2013 | Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology | 2nd edn | Pearson |
| Recommended | Julie Pallant | 2020 | SPSS Survival Manual | n/a | Routledge |
| Recommended | David Robert Thomas,Ian D Hodges | 2010 | Designing and Managing Your Research Project | n/a | SAGE |
Specific requirements
Access to IBM SPSS is required to successfully undertake workshop activities. This will be available on campus or via USC Anywhere Please note: The prescribed text can be purchased online as an electronic or hard copy book. Please refer to the following link to select your preferred copy and you’re your purchase: https://www.booktopia.com.au/researchmethods-in-criminal-justice-and-criminology-callie-marie-rennison/book/9781506347813.html In addition to this prescribed text three other resources are recommended for this course. All are accessible through the library: • Kraska, P.B., and Neuman, L.W. (2012). Criminal Justice and Criminology Research Methods (2nd Ed). Pearson. • Pallant, J. (2011). SPSS Survival Manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using SPSS, Allen & Unwin. • Thomas, D.R. & Hodges, I.D. (2010). Designing and managing your research project: Core skills for social and health research. Sage publications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.usc.edu.au:2048/10.4135
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
SafeUniSC
UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
Study help
For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
AccessAbility Services
Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
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