This unit introduces students to the theory and method of quantitative research in criminology and justice. Students will be exposed to the scientific method and its importance in measuring, examining and understanding issues relevant to criminology and justice. As part of this, the unit will explore fundamental quantitative research concepts and procedures, methods of statistical analysis as well as the interpretation of quantitative data. In this unit, students become informed consumers of research.

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. understand the role and purpose of empirical research in the study of criminology and justice;
2. describe the development of quantitative research in criminology and justice;
3. discuss the principles that underpin quantitative research methods;
4. articulate issues in criminology and justice from a quantitative research standpoint;
5. describe ethical issues associated with quantitative research;
6. apply the procedures used in quantitative research;
7. apply statistical methods of data analysis using appropriate statistical packages;
8. interpret research results and apply them to specific areas of inquiry within criminology and justice;
9. critically evaluate quantitative research methods; and
10. demonstrate sound writing skills required for research reports and papers

1. The role, purpose and function of quantitative research in the study of criminology and justice.
2. The emergence and development of quantitative research methods in criminology and justice.
3. Principles of quantitative research methods.
4. Ethics.
5. Using a body of knowledge in order to develop a researchable hypothesis.
6. Designing quantitative research.
7. Quantitative data collection methods.
8. Analysing quantitative data using appropriate statistical packages.
9. Interpreting and applying quantitative research results.
10. Critiquing the quantitative research process.
11. Quantitative research from cross-cultural perspectives.

On-campus students have a weekly three hour workshop. Each workshop is conducted using an active learning approach. As part of this approach students are provided with an instructional lecture which is accompanied by a series of applied learning activities. Instruction by a class facilitator and the active learning tasks introduce students to the central concepts of the quantitative research methods and guide students through the academic literature. During each workshop, students are required to work independently and in teams to complete assigned tasks. As part of this process, they develop proficiency in data analysis and discuss the process of quantitative research critically. Assessments in this unit encourage students to develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written communication skills.

Off-campus students are provided with an electronic version of the instructional lecture and applied learning activities, via Blackboard.  Recorded instruction by a class facilitator and the active learning tasks introduce students to the central concepts of the quantitative research methods and guide students through the academic literature. Each week, students are required to work dependently and in teams to complete assigned tasks. As part of this process, they develop proficiency in data analysis and discuss the process of quantitative research critically. Communication among off-campus students is facilitated using the Blackboard discussion board. Assessments in this unit encourage students to develop their critical appraisal skills as well as their written communication skills. Regular online access is required.

• ability to communicate
• critical appraisal skills
• ability to generate ideas
• cross-cultural and international outlook